Piazza Venezia Rome: History, Statues & Things to Do

The Piazza Venezia is one of the most famous local meeting points and traffic crossroads in the city of Rome.

The famous shopping street Via del Corso and the architecturally rich Via dei Fori Imperiali both run off the intersection.

The Piazza Venezia buildings themselves are also important sights and landmarks.

Let’s explore them together so you can recognise all the great attractions in an around the area when you visit!

The Short History of Piazza Venezia

In 1455, architect Francesco del Borgo designed a palace for a Venetian man called Pietro Barbo – he would later become Pope Paul II.

The new Palazzo Venezia was found at the foot of the Capitoline, and due to its stature the surrounding square also adopted its name and became the Piazza Venezia.

The square around the palazzo is always a hive of activity, and the 4 intersecting roads ensure the traffic is always busy! You’ll find a number of other interesting landmarks here too, including the imposing Victor Emmanuel Monument.

What Is The Building In Piazza Venezia?

The Palazzo Venezia is one of the most recognisable buildings in the Piazza Venezia.

During its time the palace has served as an embassy of Venice, and eventually came under Italian government control during WWI. Nowadays it serves as a museum – Museo di Palazzo – and showcases medieval and renaissance pieces.

When Was Piazza Venezia Built & Why Is It Important?

The square evolved from the construction of the Piazza Venezia in 1455, and is very important landmark. If all roads lead to Rome, then all roads basically lead to the Piazza Venezia.

From here you will head to the Via del Corso and the Via dei Fori, but you will also likely pass through the square on the way to Trastevere, the Jewish Ghetto or the Colosseum.

The square is therefore one of Rome’s most important thoroughfares.

Interesting Things about Piazza Venezia Statues

There is so much going on in the square – but take a minute to notice the statues!

One interesting one is a huge bronze horse which forms part of the Vittorio Emanuele Piazza Venezian monument. At 10 metres tall and 12 metres long it is humungous.

And what you may not know is that inside the horse the team who built it actually gathered to eat a luxurious dinner inside the statue!

Tip – In the square you will also find Trajan’s Column and statues symbolising Italian unity, including a horse drawn chariot.

What About The Nickname “the Wedding Cake In Rome?”

The Wedding Cake in Rome is actually an alternative name for the Victor Emmanuel Monument – and when you see it you will know why.

This huge – and frankly quite over the top – construction was made in remembrance of Victor Emmanuel, who was the first king of the united Italy. Construction began in 1855 and concluded in 1935. It is supposed to represent a unified country, and is a modern take on the old Roman Fora designs.

The site includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s huge white appearance and Corinthian columns have earned the monument its wedding cake nickname. Others, more disparaging, refer to it as the typewriter!

What To Do At Piazza Venezia: Our Top 3 Things

1. Get a panoramic view of Rome. Up inside the Victor Emmanuel Monument you can take an elevator up and enjoy wonderful panoramic views of Rome, including the Colosseum. Get tickets for €25 and see some pictures of the views here.

2. Visit the Palazzo Venezia and the art museum inside. Don’t forget to check out the balcony from which Mussolini used to give his speeches – he actually had an office in there.

3. Check out Palazzo Bonaparte – the former family home of Napoleon and the place where his mother spent out her final days.

Things to See Near Piazza Venezia

Everything is near the Piazza Venezia!

The Roman Forum is a mere 3-minute walk away, and the Pinacoteca and the Capitoline Museums are within striking distance. The Piazza Venezia really is a central hub within Rome, and one that you will surely come across on your way to any attraction.

Trajan’s Column and Trajan’s market, as well as the Teatro Marcello are also right in the area. You can plan a whole day around the Piazza Venezia and not get bored!

Can You Visit Piazza Venezia For Free?

The Piazza Venezia is a great free thing to “do” in Rome.

Whilst you will need to pay a fee to visit the inside of the Victor Emmanuel Monument or the Palazzo Venezia, there is nothing to stop you enjoying the splendour of the “Wedding Cake” and the Trajan Column for free!

If you are on a budget and still want to get some grade A sightseeing done, then this area will tick a lot of boxes.

How to Get from Piazza Venezia to Colosseum

It is literally a straight line from the Piazza Venezia, right down the Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum – you can see it approaching as you walk.

It should take you no longer than 12-15 minutes by foot as a relaxed pace.

Restaurants Near Piazza Venezia: Eat Like a Local

In the heart of tourist central in Rome it can be hard to find decent food that isn’t a tourist trap. So where to eat near Piazza Venezia?

We recommend Grano – la Cucina di Traiano for what is possibly the best pizza to price and quality ratio in Rome! You will find it on the Via Magnanapoli 9, 00187 Rome Italy – actually this restaurant is voted in Rome’s top 10 for quality and value.

And if you are looking for great pasta then the Pasta e Vino Osteria – Torre Argentina serves you up home-and-handmade pasta right before your eyes. You’ll find this cute restaurant with nice décor on the Via Florida 23 – 00186 Rome.

Most Comfortable Hotels Near Piazza Venezia Rome

There is no better place to stay in Rome if you want to be near the action! Check out these three great hotels near the Piazza Venezia Rome.

Hotel Castellino is located a mere 100m from the square and features tastefully refurbished rooms – some with hot tubs and views – starting at around €250 a night for a double.

If you want to splash out, then the Corso 281 Luxury Suites are also about 100 metres away from the Palazzo Venezia – rooms start at a whopping £850 though, so it is really for a special occasion!

A budget option is the Via del Corso Hotel Roma – with double rooms starting at £150 a night and a prime location just 150 metres from the Piazza Venezia, you can’t go wrong.

Piazza Venezia Location & How to Get There?

The Piazza Venezia is in the heart of Rome. If you are travelling by metro, then the best stop to get off at is Colosseum, then walk the 12 minutes down. If travelling by tram, any of the lines on 15, 13 and 4 all stop off at the square.

Cool Live Cam

Fancy a look at this fabulous square before you head off to Rome? Then check out this cool Piazza Venezia webcam!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Piazza Venezia is almost certainly something you will come across on your trip to Rome.

Plan how to get around the city from this important location with the rest of our resources, and consider a city pass to help make the most of your budget!