@ricksteveseurope: This oversized monument to Italy’s first king, built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country’s unification in 1861, was part of Italy’s push to overcome the new country’s strong regionalism and create a national identity. Today, the monument is appreciated for the views it provides over the city (especially from the top of its pricey elevator), and it holds a humble museum for Italian patriots.    The scale of the monument is over-the-top: 200 feet high, 500 feet wide. The 43-foot-long statue of the king on his high horse is one of the biggest equestrian statues in the world. The king’s moustache forms an arc five feet long, and a person could sit within the horse’s hoof. At the base of this statue, Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (flanked by Italian flags and armed guards) is watched over by the goddess Roma (with the gold mosaic background).    Watch the full one-hour long special, "Rick Steves Best of Rome" on your local public television station, stream with PBS Passport, or on our website. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #rome

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Tuesday 27 October 2026 22:34:42 GMT