Before boarding our Mediterranean cruise it was a three day stop in Rome to visit the sites we missed during our previous whirlwind three day tour two years before. This post features the Victor Emmanuel II Monument which we were told by the tour guides that the locals call the wedding cake. The other main attraction featured in the post is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

The dome of the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore - Rome Italy

This photo shows all the amazing artwork surrounding the dome of the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.

Victor Emmanuel II Monument serves as a monument to the tomb of the unknown soldier - Rome Italy

The tomb of the unknown soldier is guarded 24 hours a day at the Victor Emanuel II Monument by Italian Military forces. During the day visitors are allowed to climb the steps and get a closer view of the monument. This photo was taken not long before the sun would set and really shows of the white coloring of the monument that the locals are said not to like.

Bronze statue in front of Victor Emmanuel II Monument - Rome Italy

Il Pensiero Statue ( The Thought ) is a gilded bronze statue in front of the Victor Emanuel II Monument.

Statue inside the Victor Emmanuel II Monument for World War I soldier

Beautiful domed building can be viewed from the top of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Rome Italy

The roof top access allows views of the city not seen by many including these domes around town.

An elevator takes visitors to the top of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument in Rome Italy

I believe the charge was 7 Euros to ride the elevator to the top of the monument. I went late in the day to get sun low in the sky which gives you the vibrant colors. It also allowed me to get my own shadow in the photo while capturing tourists taking a selfie.

Water fountain at the Victor Emmanuel II Monument in Rome Italy

At street level of the monument is this water fountain.

The Hotel Savoy in Rome Italy located just a few blocks from the American consulate.

Our hotel in Rome.

Candles in the foreground with the dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in the background - Rome, Italy

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Amazing artwork on the ceiling of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - Rome, Italy

Pretty certain Santa Maria Maggiore would be the most famous church in Rome were it not for St. Peter’s Basilica.

King Philip IV of Spain statue in Santa Maria Maggiore

This statue is King Philip IV of Spain who if I remember my research correctly was one of the Basilica’s benefactors.

This "Roman Eagle" lands near the tourists looking for food in Rome, Italy

This “Roman Eagle” knows that the food is where the tourists are.

Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone Church - 1672 - Rome, Italy

It’s almost like there is an amazing church around ever corner in Rome. This one is the Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone Church – 1672.

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