W1-2: Piazza Venezia

W1-2: PIAZZA VENEZIA

Plan: Battista Nolli

Originally, the Piazza Venezia was not so extensive. Initially, there were two separate squares here. Only since the first changes under Pope Paul II from the mid-15th century and later renovations did the square take on more or less its current form. A definitive clearing took place with the construction of the monument in honor of the first king Victor Emmanuel II (see W1-1). The Palazzo Venezia was even demolished for this purpose and rebuilt stone by stone on the other side of the then square. The map by Battista Nolli from 1748 shows the former condition.

At the top, we find the Basilica of San Marco with the current garden to its left (no. 903). At the bottom (no. 917) is the Santa Maria in Aracoeli with the monumental staircase. All the neighborhoods between the basilica and Aracoeli have been demolished to make way for the square and the Vittoriano that leans against the Aracoeli.

The major works currently underway are related to the construction of the city's third metro line. Here, what is expected to be one of the most important metro stations in Rome is emerging. For this, the entire underground must be reshaped into access stairs, elevators, corridors, sales cells, technical installations, control and machine rooms... But first, the archaeologists must pass through. In short: a very long-term project.

Marc Vandenbon