The National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II) is a favorite subject of scorn in Rome, Italy but, apparently, people love to hate the monument. Its gleaming white marble exterior can be seen for miles and tourists flock there to climb its steps.
On the exterior of the monument, two guards stand watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while an eternal flame burns nearby. An equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy looms in front of the structure.
Inside, there stands a sculpture of Winged Victory, similar to the two bronze representations of victory atop the monument.
Throughout the monument, artifacts are displayed, including some that might make a genealogist’s mouth water – bound lists of military personnel.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
SOURCE: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 12 August 2011.
Equestrian Statue of Victor Emmanuel II
SOURCE: Equestrian Statue of Victor Emmanuel II (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 12 August 2011.
Winged Victory
SOURCE: Winged Victory (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 12 August 2011.
Infantry Lists
SOURCE: Infantry Lists (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 12 August 2011.
Copyright © 2011 by Stephen J. Danko
