Piazza Venezia

The Basics

Expect to cross Piazza Venezia as you pass from the Colosseum and Roman Forum on one side and the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain on the other. Named for Palazzo Venezia—the former embassy of the Republic of Venice, today the seat of the National Museum—on one side, the square also houses a monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, crowned king when Italy reuinified in 1861.

Join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Rome, or take a walking, e-bike, or Segway tour of Rome’s most famous attractions, and you will pass through this chaotic yet stately square.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Piazza Venezia offers the best views and photo-ops of the Vittorio Emanuele Monument.

• Nighttime, when the Vittorio Emanuele Monument is dramatically lit, is when the plaza is most atmospheric.

• The square is accessible to wheelchair users, but the constant flow of heavy traffic requires caution when crossing.

• If crossing the square on foot, be careful to use the pedestrian crosswalks.

How to Get There

Piazza Venezia is in the very center of Rome between Capitoline Hill and the historic center, and a number of city bus routes stop in the square. You can also walk from the nearby Colosseo stop on the metro B line.

When to Get There

This busy square sees less traffic at night, and the lit Vittorio Emanuele Monument is particularly striking after sunset.

The Fascist History of Piazza Venezia

For many Italians, Piazza Venezia is inexorably linked to Mussolini and the rise of fascism in the early 20th century. Palazzo Venezia was the headquarters of the fascist party—Il Duce had his office in the palace’s Sala del Mappamondo—and Mussolini delivered his most important speeches from its balcony overlooking the square. Huge fascist symbols hung from the palazzo’s facade during the regime.

Ways to explore

While they may say that “all roads lead to Rome,” the famous phrase could have been coined specifically about Piazza Venezia. Most travelers to the city will cross it while sightseeing, with the Colosseum and Roman Forum (Foro Romano) on one side and the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain on the other. Allow a few minutes at the piazza to appreciate its view of the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and its Altare della Patria memorial before moving on.

Most city tours pass through this chaotic yet stately square, whether by hop-on-hop-off bus, walking, e-bike, or golf cart.

Accessibility

The square is accessible to wheelchair users thanks to wide sidewalks, but the constant flow of heavy traffic requires caution when crossing.

Age limits

Parents with young children will need to keep an eye on them with the crowds of people and nearby traffic.

What to pack

Camera, umbrella, public transit pass

What to wear

Wear layers or a jacket when visiting the plaza at night outside of the summer months.

Not allowed

Avoid jaywalking or standing in the road to get photos as the piazza is a busy public intersection.

Amenities

Bus interchange, park benches

Address

Piazza Venezia is in the very center of Rome, just up from the Capitoline Hill, at the far end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali from the Colosseum. It is a short walk from many Rome landmarks, but is also home to busy bus stops and plenty of traffic.

Driving

While you could drive to Piazza Venezia, you won’t have anywhere to stop or park when you arrive. Park in a lot within the surrounding historical center and walk over.

Public transportation

Many city buses stop on Piazza Venezia, and the 8 tram terminates at its Venezia stop. You can also take the metro B line to the Colosseo stop and walk roughly 15 minutes from there.

Best times to visit

Come around sunset to see the Vittorio Emanuele Monument aglow at golden hour or when the plaza is dramatically illuminated at night.

Best days to visit

Weekend mornings and evenings typically offer a quieter experience, without the throngs of work commute traffic.

Best months to visit

Expect the piazza to be less busy during the shoulder months on either side of summer, plus shorter days make it easier to catch its sunset scenery.

Special events

Access and traffic conditions on Piazza Venezia are affected by ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria on various memorial days, and public holidays such as Republic Day on June 2.