Have you ever seen Rome as well? Find it out from the Terrazza delle Quadrighe

The national monument dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as Altare della Patria or Vittoriano, was designed by the architect Giuseppe Sacconi, who won the public competition launched in 1882. The monument was opened a few years later, in 1911. Its name, Vittoriano, derives from Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoia, first King of Italy. In 1921, the monument also received the remains of the Milite Ignoto, assuming a new symbolic value, turning what had always been considered a dynastic monument into a symbol of the Italian nation and of its freedom. Moreover, the idea of Sacconi was exactly the following: making an allegorical representation of Italy, through a series of symbolic representations. Beautiful and rich in meaning, the sculptures of the Azione, Pensiero, Forza, Concordia and Diritto, as well as the bas-reliefs of Lavoro and , and Amor Patrio, the fountains of the Tirreno and the Adriatico, and the statues of the regions of Italy. To complete the grandiose architectural mosaics of Sapienza, Fede and Pace and especially the massive chariot races of Libertà dei cittadini and of the Unità della Patria. The only non-symbolic representation is a statue dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele. The Vittoriano is one of the most appreciated monuments of the capital, and in addition to its ideological function, it also fulfils the celebratory function, being often the background of important moments, dedicated to national history and identity. Just think about the massive demonstration of 2nd November 1915, in memory of war dead or to the latest speech by President Ciampi, who stressed the importance of the Vittoriano as treasure box of essential values, left behind a legacy by the generations of the Risorgimento, and that today are etched into the marble. Values referring to freedom and unity of the motherland. The monument is more than 80 metres tall and 135 metres large, covering a total area of 17000 square meters. Outside the main elements there are the staircase and the portico, between the two propyls. Since June 2007, you can get on its highest point, the splendid Terrazza delle Quadrighe, by one of the lifts available for tourists. The terrace offers a unique view over the city, and its surroundings, and you can also reach it by the 196 steps starting from the Colonnade.

The roof of Rome
Rome is a city where surprises and innovations chase each other all along and merely enhance a metropolis of magic and corners. One of the recent projects having been very successful is the one of the scenic elevators, going up to the terrace of the Vittoriano: even if completed in 2007, they are still unknown to many people, thanks to a superb plan realization, that made sure they are discreet and not very visible. These lifts leave from the median terrace and- in a matter of seconds - cover the hundred steps to climb up to the top of the Vittoriano. The show you enjoy when is breath-taking: the 80 meters of gap on the historical centre of Rome make this place ideal to enjoy a panorama that leaves with no words, and from which it is truly difficult to unglue the look. From there, you can observe Via del Corso, cutting the historical centre of Rome as a blade, towards all the most important monuments. Towards the South, the Gazometro and the so-called Colosseo Quadrato - in the centre of the Eur district -, until the area of the Castelli Romani. But the terrace offers a wider visual, giving the possibility to turn yourself 360 degrees around and embracing any side of the city: a panorama without comparisons, than anyone in the city have to experiment. The view from one side includes the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the column of Trajan and the Tempio di Castore e Polluce, and - on the other side - the Basilica di San Pietro, the Pantheon, the magnificent Baroque churches situated in the historical centre and the Quirinale. On sunny days, you can see even the Roman coast. And if the view is not your strong point, you can rely on numerous telescopes placed near the walls in compression, as long as you find some of them still available. The Terrazza delle Quadrighe has also some information points, arranged to help visitors better understand the layout of the focal points, on the urban fabric of Rome. And when you get tired of this unique landscape, you can go down the middle terrace and refresh yourself at the appropriate point. In Rome, the overlooks are so many, and among these you have to nominate beautiful places like the Gianicolo and the Giardino degli Aranci. However, nobody of these is in a position offering a wide and detailed view of the city: it's wonderful, for the citizens and the tourists, every day crowding this fantastic terrace.

The lifts
The lifts – from 2007 - are made of glass and steel, for all those people preferring - or forced - to go up without facing one of the famous stairs of the city. You can get to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe also by the inner museum dedicated to the Risorgimento, or facing the stairs of Aracoeli, through the passage to the right. The elevators are managed by "Roma vista dal cielo", and they are not very cheap (7 euros per adult and 3.50 euros for the reduced ticket, for children between 10 and 18 years), but they offer an exciting and unusual point of view. Each cabin can host maximum 12 people and leads to the two majestic quadrigas giving the name to the terrace: Civium Libertati, symbol of freedom, and the symbol of national unity, the Patriae Unitati. The service is available every day of the week, from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm (winter hours) and from 9.30 am and 11.30 pm (during the summer). Mind that the ticket office closes 45 minutes before the lifts. So, if you want to enjoy a breath-taking view and a new point of view on the eternal city, you cannot ignore this extraordinary place.