OBELISK AT PIAZZA DEL RINASCIMENTO

Urbino is a small hilltown with fortress in Marche Region, Central Italy. The town experienced an astonishing culture flowering, and remains little change from the days when Duke Federico of Montefelto set up his glittering court here in the 15th Century. This fortress town was recently registered as UNESCO's World Heritage in 1998. Little people know there is an Egyptian obelisk at Piazza del Rinascimento, the center of the town.

Urbino is a birthplace of Raffaello (Raphael), and his childhood home remains. A famous wall "Studiolo of Duke Federico of Montefelto" with minute wooden mosaic is in the "Palazzo Ducale" (Ducal Palace) in this town.

Originally this obelisk was erected as a pair at Sais by Pharaoh Apries in about B.C. 580. (The companion to this obelisk is now in Piazza della Minerva, Rome.) This obelisk was transported from Sais to Rome in A.D. 90, and it was used for Iseum. Then it toppled and broken in three pieces. In 18th century, they were given to Cardinal Alessandro Albani (Roberto Piperno says in his website at http://members.tripod.com/romeartlover/Urbino.html, Cardinal Annibale, Another source says, Cardinal Alberti, but it is not confirmed.) . Then, he donated them to the town of Urbino. The obelisk was transported to this town in 1737. The remarkable difference from others is an octagon shape, with cutting off the four corners.

Many tourists come to Italy every year, but few tourists visit to this town due to out of the main tourist route. Little people visit this town for looking up this obelisk. If this obelisk was in Rome, it might become more popular. However, it's honor that this obelisk is at the center of this town.

Stats:

Location: Piazza del Rinascimento, Urbino, Italy
Pharaoh: Apries (The 4th King of the 26th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 589-570)
Height: ?? meters
Stone: Red granite