Discover the tale of Italy’s reunification as you witness mesmerizing sights of the capital city from its most popular and busiest squares, the Piazza Venezia. Located centrally at the intersection of several main city streets, the piazza also features famous landmarks and fascinating museums including the renowned monument Victoriano. The square is also home to world-class retail stores and fashion outlets of some of the biggest names in the industry.
Piazza Venezia the name itself brings to our minds a plethora of figures starting from the fascist dictator of history Benito Mussolini to the popular actor Albert Sordi. The square got its name derived from the historical papal palace built by the Venetian Cardinal Pietro Barbo (later known as Pope Paul II).
As you step into the square, the first thing to grab your attention is the gigantic white marble monument called the Victoriano. The distinguished monument houses a museum and offers a splendid view of the city of Rome from its terrace. The piazza was built in the 18th century but later many of its historical buildings were demolished for reconstructing the monumental square.
Piazza Venezia is one of the major crossroads in the city of Rome where the main streets such as Via del Corso, Via Nazionale, and others meet each other. Located geometrically at the center of Rome and the foot of Capitoline Hill, Piazza Venezia meets with several converging routes leading to the highlighted spots of the city.
The prominent buildings of the square are the monument of Victor Emmanuel II, Palazzo Bonaparte (the erstwhile home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother), Palazzo Delle Aste, Assicurazioni Generali, and San Marco Church. Apart from its historical monuments, Piazza Venezia is also the hub of international fashion trends.
In this square, you will come across an array of retail shops of world-class fashion designers such as Armani, Gucci, Swarovski, and others. Learn more about this fascinating ancient city's history and culture from the details below.
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Highlights
• Step into this famous square in Rome known for its rich historical significance and beautiful monuments
• Visit the Victoriano, the massive building made out of white marble that is also a famous museum and offers panoramic views of the city from its terrace
• Explore the other renowned structures at the Piazza Venezia such as those of the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother- the Palazzo Bonaparte, Victor Emmanuel II, Palazzo Delle Aste, Assicurazioni Generali, San Marco Church, and the recently uncovered ruins of Hadrian’s Auditorium
• Enjoy ultra-modernism alongside the historical splendor of the site with some of the most famous fashion brands and world-class outlets surrounding the square
How To Reach
The distance between Fiumicino Airport and Piazza Venezia is approximately 22 kilometers and there are various modes of conveyance for you to choose from.
By Train:
Trains are plying between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini every 20 minutes. You have to make a transfer at Termini and take a bus to reach Piazza Venezia in approximately 11 minutes.
By Road:
You can hire a taxi from the airport to piazza Venezia within 24 minutes. Although it is a bit pricey, costing you around Rs. (3,900-4,700) this is the quickest way to reach your destination.
However, if you want to travel on a budget, you can choose to drive on your own from the airports to piazza Venezia. It takes around 24 minutes to reach your destination and will cost you around Rs. (290-430).
By Bus:
There are no direct buses from Rome airport to Piazza Venezia. Buses depart from the airport bus station and arrive at Ara Coeli/Piazza Venezia via Cicerone/ Cavour. The distance between Rome Airport and Piazza Venezia is approximately 22 Km and the journey takes around 1 hour including transfers.
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Best Time To Visit
- The best time to visit Piazza Venezia depends on what activities you have included in your bucket list. Ideally, the high season in Piazza Venezia falls from June through August. During this time of the yeahe places of interest are swarmed with tourists from different parts of the world.
- The climate is temperate with longer days and abundant sunshine and crisp evenings. The high season months face huge traffic as most of the schools remain closed for vacation.
- Rainfall is scanty thus making an ideal condition for sightseeing, alfresco dining, and savoring world-class gelatos during your trip. So, if you plan to visit the historical hub of Italy in the peak season, be prepared for long queues at the popular pattractiontractions.
- However, if it is just for sightseeing in Piazza Venezia, spring is the best time for that. During this time winter takes a retreat, and the whole region bathes in the sunshine. The warm climate makes it feasible for tourists to visit the city's most iconic landmarks.
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Other Essential Information
Places To Visit Near Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia is located in a position that is close to some of the most distinguished places of historical importance. We have shortlisted the best places near Piazza Venezia you should not miss out:
1. Vatican Museum: The Vatican Museum fairly boasts of its collection of the earliest Renaissance masterpieces and iconic Roman vestiges. It attracts over 5 million visitors every year who visit the place to see its sprawling collection of artworks, Roman sculptures, and historical artifacts by the Old Masters (Raphael, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, etc). The Vatican Museum remains open from Monday to Saturday. It is also open on the last Sunday of each month and remains closed on the public holidays of the year.
2. Santa Francesca Romana: The 10th-century minor Basilica is one of Rome’s lesser-known historical gems. Take a tour around the place and discover its finest religious artworks and stunning architecture of the Renaissance era. Next to the Basilica is the temple of Venice which is considered one of the largest temples of ancient Rome. There is no entry fee.
3. Galleria Borghese
The 17th-century gallery stands out from the crowd in a city known for its time-honored Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Among the most emblematic works of Galleria Borghese are Raphael’s The Disposition and Lady With A Unicorn- both of which date from 1507.
The other noted works include Titian's Sacred and Profane Love and sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It remains open from Tuesday- Sunday.
4. Via Condotti
After visiting the somber monuments and galleries of Rome it’s time to spend your leisure hours in a casual tone. The chick retail district at the heart of Rome’s historical hub is home to some top-notch shops and cafes.
As you walk down the streets you will come across residential houses with flower-fringed balconies and shuttered windows. Via Condotti is the nucleus of international fashion trends with retail shops of the most prestigious fashion brands such as Giorgio Armani, Swarovski, Michelle Kors, Burberry, etc.
5. Farnese Gardens
It is a piece of green retreat with vibrant flowerbeds, cute hedgerows, and imposing views of the city of Rome. The picture-perfect Farnese Gardens was designed by the famous architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola and is still among the first private botanical gardens ever built in Europe. The Gardens remain open throughout the year and it offers a paid visit.
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History of Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia is one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Rome which was built sometime between 1455-1464 by Cardinal Pietro Barbo who later became Pope Paul II. The building was originally a papal residence until Pope Pius IV handed it to Venice. It was later transformed into an embassy.
In 1916 piazza Venezia was taken over by the government of Italy during the role of the fascist Dictator Benito Mussolini. Mussolini made it his headquarters and used it to deliver his speeches from the building.
Today, the building hosts the famous Museo del Palazzo Venezia, a treasure trove of historical artworks, sculptures, ceramics, decorative arts, and paintings belonging to the Renaissance era.
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Tips for visiting Piazza Venezia
Right from ordering a coffee at a restaurant to visiting the Basilica in proper attire, you need to follow some etiquette for making the most of your trip. Here are a few insider tips for you if you are visiting Piazza Venezia for the first time:
- Carry some extra cash
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking long hours
- Don’t over plan your trip since the city has a surfeit of historical monuments to visit. Keep time for shopping, eating, relaxing, and enjoying.
- Buy tickets well ahead of your journey
- Keep a watch on your bags and other belongings.
- Dress modestly while visiting religious sites.
- Avoid dining in major squares of the city as you may get overpriced food.
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Watch A Play at Globe Theatre Rome
The Globe Theatre Rome is a full-scale reproduction of the original Elizabethan theatre in London holding a capacity of about 1250 patrons in an impressive oak structure. You can watch the masterpieces of Shakespearean plays in the park setting of Villa Borghese.
Rent a bicycle or walk along the park and watch its other popular attractions including the National Gallery of Modern Art and Villa Borghese Gallery. Within a short walking distance from the Globe Theatre is a zoological garden Bioparco di Roma where you can spot brown bears, Indian Elephants, giraffes and other animals in a natural habitat full stop the theatre remains open during the summer months. The tickets for the standing section of the theatre are less expensive.
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Meet with the gory history of Rome
Located in the historic center (Centro Storico in Italian) The Colosseum is the most iconic monument and one of the must-see attractions in Rome. It boasts of being the largest amphitheater in the Roman world, with over 50000 spectators.
The arenas of the theater are witness to too much bloodshed in the famous gladiatorial fights and Roman games that mostly ended in gruesome deaths. If you are visiting the place during high season you may have to wait a few hours before making your way into this significant historical building.
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Day Trip to the Borghese Gardens
Located north of Piazza di Spagna, the Borghese Gardens is Rome's largest and most panoramic community park. It is a slice of tranquil heaven surrounded by greens on all sides and offering a welcome visit to the tourists.
As you walk along the canopied pathways of the park you will spot statues, temples, and several fountains that contribute to the pristine charm of the place. The park also hosts a beautiful botanical garden where you can sit and relax after a long day trip.
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Savour a gelato
Take a break during your date trip as it is ice cream time! One of Rome's two best ice cream shops is San Crispino in the Villa Della Panetteria and Gioletti in Via Uffici del Vicario.
You may have to face a long queue in whichever gelateria you visit. But it will be worth the wait given the variety and flavor of ice creams you will get to choose from their display.
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Trastevere District
Far from the madding crowd of the city this little neighborhood still retains its original charm with a little bit of a “hipster” look. As you walk along the narrow alleys and flowery streets you will discover the real Italian neighborhood with old shops and earliest inhabitants.
As you move further north of the district you will reach Gianicolo Hill. Stop the hell you can marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the city of Rome.
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Visit the Catacombs at Rome
Wind up your list of the best things to do in Rome in a bit unusual way. The Catacombs of Callixtus is a highly recommended place to visit in Rome. Sprawling across 15 hectares approximately the catacombs were once used as cemeteries for the Christians and Jews.
Such history is testified by the inscriptions etched on its walls from the Old and New Testaments. If you want to visit the catacombs, start with the Capuchin Crypt, located next to Trevi Fountain.
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Tourism Board Alliances
Piazza Venezia FAQs
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