Piazza Venezia is a central square in Rome, situated at the junction of three major roads: via del Corso, famous for its countless shops, via dei Fori Imperiali, dominated by the Roman Forum and via del Plebiscito.
The present lay-out of Piazza Venezia is the result of demolition and reconstruction works carried out between the end of XIX century and the beginning of the XX century.
In particular, the imposing Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, in jest called typewriter because of its shape seen from above, was built in those years. On the west side of the square is the Palazzo Venezia, seat of government during the fascism: from here Mussolini delivered the speech that proclaimed the rise of the empire in 1936.
In front of it the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali was built in the first years of XX century. Decorated with the Leone Alato, it was built in a rear position compared with the former buildings, with the aim of allowing the square to be expanded. Piazza Venezia is one of the most popular squares in Rome, located in a very crucial point in the historical centre of Rome, and is an essential stage when touring Rome.
