Venice square in rome. Piazza Venezia in Rome: sights of the capital of Italy. What to see in Piazza Venezia

One of the most grandiose squares in Rome is Venice Square (piazza Venezia), where six significant Roman streets intersect - via del Corso, via Nazionale, via Cesare Battisti, via del Plebescito, via del Teatro Marcello, via Nazionale. From here, the streets of Roman shopping diverge, leading to a direct road to the colorful Roman quarter of Trastevere and to St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. The majestic street of the Imperial Forums (via dei Fori Imperiali) also originates here, along which you can go straight to the Colosseum.

Therefore, Piazza Venezia is the almost perfect geometric center of Rome and the pulsating heart of the Eternal City.

History, myths and curious facts

Piazza Venezia was formed in the middle of the 15th century immediately after the construction of the eponymous Palazzo Venezia, the residence of the Venetian Cardinal Petro Barbo, who soon became Pope under the name Paul II. They built the palace of Venice from travertine taken from the quarries of the Colosseum and the theater of Marcel: during the Middle Ages, this ancient monuments did not attach any importance - cows were grazed at the Roman Forums, and the Colosseum turned into a huge quarry of building materials for Roman churches and palaces.

A lover of holidays and carnivals, Pope Paul II decided to move the venue of the Roman Carnival from the Testaccio area to Piazza Venezia and Via del Corso. The main event of the carnival was a wild horse race called "corsa dei Barberi". Horses without riders, spurred by hot pitch, ran down Corso all the way to Piazza Venezia. At the end of Corso were stretched huge red canvases, bumping into which, the horse had to stop.

Horse racing was incredibly popular with the Roman people until King Victor Emmanuel II in 1874, after the death of a teenager who accidentally fell under the hooves of a horse, decided to cancel this public entertainment.

modern square

At about the same time, after the death of King Victor Emmanuel, Venice Square radically changed its appearance - the construction of the Vittoriano monument (Altar of the Fatherland) began and some of the houses in the square adjacent to the Capitoline Hill had to be demolished. And the square itself should be moved closer to via del Corso.

In the corner of the square, not far from the church of San Marco, there is a female bust. This is the famous Roman "talking" statue of Madame Lucretia. talking statues in papal Rome, sculptures were called, to which it was possible to anonymously attach leaflets criticizing the authorities, satirical pamphlets on a political topic, and any expression of public discontent. Open criticism of the authorities in these times was strictly persecuted and very often led to prison and execution, so the Roman people invented this way of expressing their discontent. Pamphlets were often pasted at night so that no one could catch their author.

Looking from Piazza Venezia towards via del Corso, you will see a palace with a green shuttered balcony. This is the so-called Bonnaparte Palace, the favorite balcony of Napoleon's mother, Laetitia Bonaparte. Its shutters keep the Roman legend that Madame Bonaparte was extremely talkative and curious - sitting with a maid on the balcony, she loudly discussed the outfits of ladies passing by. Such frivolous behavior spoiled the reputation of the French ruler, and he ordered the mother's balcony to be closed with shutters.

Palace of Venice and District

There is the Cone Fountain in Piazza Venezia. Once this ancient fountain was found here during excavations, its original is now located in the Vatican Museums. During the renaissance, this fountain, moved to the Vatican, served the faithful and pilgrims arriving at St. Peter's Basilica. In the fountain, they washed their hands and face before entering the cathedral and turning to God.

Venice's palace different times and era changed many owners. In addition to its original purpose - the Papal residence, it was the embassy of the Republic of Venice, later became Austrian property and was used as the embassy of Austria, and later of Austria-Hungary. And in 1916, finally returned to the property Italian state. Since 1929, the palace has housed the Fascist Party led by Benito Mussolini.

Balcony with Italy flag and European Union in the palace of Venice - nothing more than the balcony of Mussolini's office, from where he solemnly announced in 1940, referring to the crowded public, the war between France and Britain.

Now inside the palace there is the Museum of the Lazio Region: here you can see paintings dedicated to the history of Italy from the Middle Ages to the 18th-19th centuries, furniture, sculptures, household items.

The museum is open every day except Monday from 8.30 to 19.30 (the box office closes at 18.30). Entrance ticket price: 5 euros. Entrance: Via del Plebiscito 18

Piazza Venezia is the starting point of many tourist routes, as it is located in the center of Rome and is considered one of the main squares of the city. Piazza Venezia has not lost its importance since the Middle Ages, when it was the intersection of important trade routes. Now it is crossed by six important streets of Rome. In the 15th century, on the instructions of Cardinal Pietra Barbo, at the foot of the Capitol, the Palace of Venice was built, which gave the name Piazza.

Piazza Venezia: history

Today, Piazza Venezia is the center from which the Roman streets diverge like the rays of the sun. They will lead to the Colosseum, to St. Peter's Square, the famous Roman quarter of Trastevere. From here begins the main shopping street with various shops and boutiques - Via del Corso.

In the Middle Ages, when Cardinal Barbo became Pope Paul II, on his orders, the square became the venue for the traditional Roman carnival. The main event of the festivities was the wild horse racing, which was later abolished by Victor Emmanuel II, after whose reign the square began to change its appearance. The construction of the Vittoriano monument and the expansion of the territory began.

In all corners of the piazza you can see a lot interesting places associated with historical events cities. Not far from the church of San Marco, a bust of Madame Lucrezia has been standing since the time of the papal rule. In the Middle Ages, criticism of the authorities was forbidden, so the people expressed their dissatisfaction on paper and pasted it on the bust. According to some sources, the bust of Madama Lucretia depicted the goddess Isis. According to another version, this bust was erected in honor of the beloved woman of King Alphonse of Aragon - Lucrezia Borgia. Lucrezia patronized artists and musicians.

Legends also hover around the Bonaparte Palace, which stands out on the square with its green balcony. Napoleon's mother, Laetitia Bonoparte, loved this place very much, but she was so talkative and curious that, without a twinge of conscience, she discussed the outfits passing by the ladies. This behavior did not reflect well on the reputation of the emperor, and he ordered the balcony to be shuttered.

Palace of Venice

The Palazzo, built by order of Cardinal Barbo, is considered one of the first monuments of the Renaissance. The Roman Forums, the Colosseum in the middle of the 15th century had no historical significance, they were broken down to use the stone for new buildings. It was with stones from the Colosseum that the palace of Venice was built. The windows in the building are not symmetrical - this was done in order to evil spirits couldn't get inside.
The palazzo had many owners. Initially, it housed the embassy of Venice, which gave the name to the palace. After being occupied by Austria, it was the Austrian embassy for a long time. Then it was occupied by the Fascist Party of Italy, led by Benito Mussolini.

The building now houses the national historical Museum, which presents items related to the historical period from the Middle Ages to the XIX century. The museum is open six days a week, except Mondays from 8.30 to 19.30. But tourists are always most interested in the Chere Museum, located in the same building. In it you can see the exposition of wax figures famous people and Mussolini's cabinet, recreated to the smallest detail.

Church of San Marco

Practically being part of the palace of Venice, the church of San Marco rises on the square - the oldest basilica in the city. The 4th century building was rebuilt several times. By order of Cardinal Barbo, it was made part of the Palace of Venice during its construction. In the middle of the 18th century, the basilica was again subjected to reconstruction, after which all the decoration was made in the Baroque style. But, despite all the alterations, the church has preserved a colorful mosaic dating from the 9th century, depicting Jesus Christ surrounded by saints and part of the floor from the time of Pope Paul II. Under the altar are the relics of one of the popes - Mark. Entrance to the church is free. But it is recommended to take coins with you to throw them into the bowl for "defiling the temple".

Vittoriano

The very square of Venice in Rome, which has a rectangular shape, does not represent anything outstanding. Unusual makes it a monument to the first king of united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II - Vittoriano, erected on a slope capitol hill. The author of the monument was Giuseppe Sacconi, according to whose drawings construction continued for fifty years. He won the competition announced by the government. But in his developments, the architect relied on the exact requirements of the customer: the place is the northern slope of the Capitol, the statue of the equestrian is obligatory and the rear arbitrary building that closes the church of Santa Maria in Araceli. All structures were made of marble quarried in the province of Brescia.
The main part of the ensemble is a statue depicting Victor Emmanuel seated on a horse. It is cast in bronze and has a height of 12 meters. Until now, the first king is revered by the Italians as a liberator and protector.

The "Altar of the Fatherland" is located under the statue of the king. It was built in 1906 by the sculptor Angello Zanelli and was conceived as the personification of labor and love for the Fatherland. All images decorating the bas-reliefs are allegorical and symbolize agriculture, industry, and the fire of the motherland. Since 1921, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to the heroes of the First World War, has been located here.

The erection of the Vittoriano led to demolition a large number ancient buildings, but during the excavations, the ruins of a house dating back to the 2nd century AD and a Roman fortress wall were discovered, which are now available for viewing to tourists.

All buildings of the monument combine the features of many historical styles.

The entrance to the building is decorated with columns. On open area two bronze statues were installed, symbolizing the unity of the Motherland and the freedom of citizens. Two fountains in front of the building are symbols of the seas washing the peninsula: the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic. Six statues symbolize Italian values, sixteen more Italian regions.

For such eclecticism, the presence of bulky details, their crowding, the Italians themselves do not like it. They call it "wedding cake", "false teeth", "typewriter" and it's not complete list condescendingly contemptuous names of the complex. Tourists do not miss the opportunity to take large-scale photos against such a monumental background and admire what they see. In the evening, Vittoriano is illuminated with soft light, from which its pretentiousness is smoothed out, and it becomes even more beautiful.

The Vittoriano ensemble includes two museums: the Risorgimento and the flags of the navy.

Here is one of the best viewing platforms in the city. In December, the largest Christmas tree is set up in Piazza Venezia. In the same place, a park of horse-drawn carts settled, ready to take tourists to any part of Rome.

How to get there

Piazza Venezia is located near the Teremini station, from which three bus route: 50, 64, 175. Near the Basilica of San Marco tram stop number 8. The closest metro stations to the square are: Colosseo, Cavour. They are located a 10-minute walk from Piazza Venezia. The road from the metro goes along the imperial forums, bronze sculptures that have turned green from time to time.

Piazza Venezia is located in the central part of Rome. It was named after the palace of the same name. It was located near the foot of the Capitol in a certain distance from the Roman Forum. It has been an important transportation point since the days of the Roman Republic. From it it is most convenient to embark on a hike through the city streets.

History of occurrence

In the fifteenth century, the architect Francesco del Borgo created in Rome magnificent palace. Initially, it was the residence of Pope Paul II, after which the Venetian embassy in Rome was located here. Later, the building became the residence of Austrian diplomats and their families. In the twentieth century, the castle was occupied by Mussolini. Once upon a time, an ancient Roman building stood on this site, chosen by the evangelist Mark during his visit to Rome. This saint is the patron saint of Venice, which is why the Venetians love the palace so much. Modern look formed in 1885. At that time, the square was decorated with a monument to Victor Emmanuel II. In 2009, excavations were underway - preparations for the construction of the metro, during which the ruins of Athenaeum, which belonged to Emperor Hadrian, were found.

Architecture

A monument to the first Italian king, Victor Emmanuel II, rises above Venice Square. The northern slope of Palatine Hill was ideal for its location. In order to erect a monument, more than one medieval quarter had to be demolished. The construction process lasted from 1885 to 1911. When did the first one end? World War, the composition was supplemented with a part dedicated to the unknown soldier. The work began to be called "The Altar of the Fatherland". The final formation of the monumental composition was completed in 1935. On Piazza Venezia there is a house in which Napoleon's mother, Lutetia, lived in the nineteenth century. She really liked to watch the seething life in Rome. She remained here to live, even when Napoleon was defeated. The western side of the square is decorated with the Palace of Venice. Entering this room, you become a visitor to the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Chere Museum. In the latter, you can admire the wax figures and the interior of Mussolini's office. Almost close to the Palace of Venice stands the church of San Marco. It is dated to the fourth century. More than once it was rebuilt and reconstructed. Many changes were made in the eighteenth century, it was then that its architectural style changed.

Neighborhood

Near Piazza Venezia there are a lot of different attractions. For example, Trajan's Forum. It was created in the year 106-113 by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus at the expense of state subsidies (the war with the Dacians helped to accumulate funds). The length of the forum is three hundred meters, the width is one hundred and eighty-five. During the construction process, the top of the Quirinal hill was cut off. Trajan's Column rises at the level of forty meters. Its top was decorated with a statue of Trajan, which, unfortunately, has been lost. In 1587, the statue of St. Peter was replaced. Inside the monument there is a hall with an urn in which the imperial ashes are kept. A market of the same name operates in a brick building. The Curia once housed the Roman Senate. It was built back in the time of Caesar and, more than once, was the seat of fire.

Note to the tourist

Beautiful square with a beautiful flower garden in the middle. Marble benches will always give you a rest and conveniently eat ice cream. On Piazza Venezia, horses and carts are waiting for you. This place is crowded at any time of the year. Especially many tourists tend to get here with the onset of winter, because in December this place turns into a fairy tale. The tall spruce is decorated with ribbons, balls and garlands, the rumble of cars and the clatter of hooves can be heard.

Piazza Venezia is a square in the center of Rome, from where, even during the time of the Roman Republic, the road to the north of Italy began, which connected Rome and Rimini and was named after the censor Gaius Flaminius. It was he who initiated it. The square is named after the Palace of Venice, built in 1567 by Pope Paul 2, although then it was still just Pietro Barbo. This building housed the embassy of the Venetian Republic. Later, the building belonged to the Austrian emperor, and then Mussolini's government met here. Now the palace houses two museums: the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia (museum of decorative arts) and the Cere Museum, where you can see wax figures and a recreated interior of Mussolini's last cabinet.

Piazza Venezia - Piazza Venezia

GPS Coordinates: 41° 53" 44"" N, 12° 28" 57"" E

The central square of Rome, located at the foot of the intersection of the main roads - del Corso, Via del Fori Imperiali, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Named for the location on it Palazzo Venice. On Piazza Venezia is Altar of the Fatherland.

Doesn't officially exist in Rome main square, but if I had to choose one, then Venice Square would most likely become it, because. she is in historical center cities and in ancient times this place was an important transport point - the Flaminieva road passed here, leading from to Rimini. Now several central roads of Rome diverge from the square in different directions. Therefore, it was here that it was customary to erect a monument dedicated to the anniversary of the unification - Vittoriano.

The project was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in the Empire style of ancient Roman architecture and built from 1885 to 1911. The structure of white limestone stands out from the background of early buildings, dominating them with its bulk. Because of this, it received nicknames from the townspeople: "wedding cake", "bakery machine", "false jaw", etc.

In the center of the composition is a twelve-meter bronze equestrian statue of the first king of the united Victor Emmanuel II, by the way, very similar to the monument to Nicholas I in St. Petersburg. Old cannons were used to cast the monument, which is also symbolic and emphasizes the transfer of papal power to the king.

Below it is Altar of the Fatherland with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the First World War, decorated with reliefs and a statue of Rome. The Eternal Flame burns on the grave and there is a guard of honor with lances and in the form of bersaliers. A wide staircase leads to the monument, on both sides of which there are two fountains, symbolizing the seas: Tyrrhenian - on the right and Adriatic - on the left. Behind the statue is a portico colonnade with propylaea on the sides, on which the quadrigas of Liberty and Unity are installed.

Inside the complex are two museums: Risorgimento - period of the struggle for political unification and the banners of the navy. The monument also offers wonderful panoramas of Rome in all four directions.

Concerning Palazzo Venice, it was built in the 15th century. around one of the oldest in Rome Church of San Marco Venetian Cardinal Pietro Barbo, who later became Paul II. And from 1567 to 1797. The palace housed the Venetian embassy, ​​hence the name of the palace and then the square. Mussolini liked to give speeches from the balcony on the facade of the palace. Currently, the palace houses two museums: National Museum Palazzo Venezia and Cere Museum.

On the other side of the square with a facade symmetrical to the Palazzo Venezia, in the 20th century. was built by the Palazzo delle Assico Ratio and the Generali di Venezia. WITH north side square near the street del Corso is another palace built in the 17th century. and called the Bonaparte Palace after it in the 19th century. Napoleon's mother lived.

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