OBELISK AT BOBOLI GARDENS

According to the scholar's research, it turns out this obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is currently at the site of the Terme di Diocleziano, Rome. This obelisk was discovered underground at the site of current "Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva" sometime before 1600. The site was the important temple in the Roman Empire Era, Iseum (the Temple of Isis) had been there. Therefore, this obelisk would probably used for Iseum. According to the inscription, this was erected at Heliopolis by Ramses II. In 19th century (1883), another pair of this obelisk was found at the same site. That is now at the site of "Terme di Diocleziano (Diocletian's Baths), where is near to the Roma's "Stazione di Termini" (Termine Station). Although there is no record when this was transported from Heliopolis, but it would probably be in 1st century. Excavated obelisk was once erected in the garden of the "Villa Medici" (Medici House) in Rome. Then it was moved again to the current location, Boboli Gardens in Florence when the Medici needed garden ornaments their in 1790. A copy that they commissioned now stands in the Villa Medici garden. The obelisk is placed at the center of Greek-style "Amfiteatro" (Amphitheatre), just behind the "Palazzo Pitti" (Pitti Palace). The site is the best location in the Garden, but little people pay attention to this obelisk.

Stats:

Location: Boboli Gardens [Giardini di Boboli], Florence [Firenze], Italy
Pharaoh: Ramses II (The 19th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 1304-1237)
Height: 4.87 meters
Weight: ?? tones
Stone: Red granite

OBELISK AT PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA

Originally this obelisk was erected as a pair at Sais by Pharaoh Apries. The companion to this obelisk is now in Urbino a small town in Italy. Nobody knows when and how this obelisk was carried to Rome, but I guess this was transported probably in the 1st century. Anyway, this was used for Iseum, and toppled at unknown date, and buried underground. In 1665, Dominican monks discovered it, and then Pope Alexander VII [Alessandro VII, reigned 1655-1667] decided to re-erect it in front of Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. The obelisk was put on the sculpture of elephant, and official completion ceremony was held on July 11th, 1667. But the Pope could not attend the ceremony because he passed away 2 months before, May 22nd, 1667 The sculpture of elephant is called "Il Pulcino Della Minerva", which means "Minerva's Chicken". There is a long story behind the reason why it is called "chicken" despite of "elephant". Mr. Andrea Pollett has a detailed story in his website. It is made by marble, designed by Giovanni (Gian) Lorenzo Bernini [1598-1680]. This obelisk is small, but I think this is probably the loveliest obelisk. There is a single column of inscription on each side of the obelisk, each beginning with the name of the king and the followed by epithets naming Atum of the Land of Life, the cemetery of Sais. And Neit, she of the Bee Temple in Mehnet, foremost of the Land of Life. On the postament, the Latin inscriptions are carved referring to the date of its erection, the pope responsible, and "He who sees the carved images of the wisdom of Egypt on the obelisk carried by the elephant, the strongest of animals, will realize that it is indeed a robust mind which sustains a solid wisdom."

Stats:

Location: Piazza della Minerva, Rome, Italy [In front of Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.] Pharaoh: Apries (The 4th King of the 26th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 589-570)
Height: 5.47 meters [obelisk itself. 12.69 meters including the top decoration, elephant, the pedestal and the 4-step basement.]
Stone: Red granite

OBELISK AT PIAZZA DELLA ROTONDA

This obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is in Celimontana, which was originally erected in front of the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, a northeastern suburb of current Cairo.

The pair obelisks were carried to Iseum, the Temple of Isis in the ancient Rome and erected there. But it is unknown what happened after that, since the people lost the interest in the obelisk. In 14th century, this obelisk stood at the east of Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline hill (Monte Capitolino).

In the era of Pope Clemens XI [reigned 1700-1721], it was decided to move to Piazza della Rotonda, in front of Pantheon. Then the fountain of dolphin was created and the obelisk was put on the fountain in 1711, and the star and the Christian Cross were put on the apex. The fountain was designed by Giacomo della Porta.

Stats:

Location: Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy [In front of Pantheon.]
Pharaoh: Ramses II (The 19th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 1304-1237)
Height: 6.34 meters
Weight: ?? tons

OBELISK AT TERME DI DIOCLEZIANO

According to the scholar's research, it turns out this obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is in the Boboli Gardens in Florence.

This obelisk was discovered underground at the site of current "Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva" by Roman archaeologist, Rodolfo Lanciani and his team in 1883. The site was the important temple in the Roman Empire Era, Iseum (the Temple of Isis) had been there. Therefore, this obelisk would probably used for Iseum. According to the inscription, this was erected at Heliopolis by Ramses II. Also, it turns out later that the another pair was already (in 1790) transported to Boboli Gardens in Florence. Although there is no record when this was transported from Heliopolis, but it would probably be in 1st century.

Inscriptions: The Egyptologist Labib Habachi says "On the pyramidion of the obelisk is a winged scarab with a sun disk and the two cartouches of Ramesses (Ramses) II. On each side of the shaft is a column of inscription listing the name of the king and epithets styling him as beloved of one or another of the solar gods and mentioning his giving offerings in Heliopolis." (Source: "The Obelisk of Egypt" by Labib Habachi, 1977 Charles Scribner's Sons)

Excavated obelisk was left as it was. 4 years later, it was happened in January 1887 that all 548 soldiers of Italian squad were killed by the Ethiopian troop at the Battle of Dogali. For a memorial of Italian victim, and in order to ease the Italian people's sorrowfulness, it was decided that this obelisk was erected. The location was selected in front of "Stazione di Termini" (Termine Station) in Rome. The names of the Italian soldiers who were killed at the Battle of Dogali were inscribed on the pedestrial. Therefore, this obelisk is also called Dogali Obelisk. In connection with the number of dead soldiers, the square in front of the Station was then named "Piazza del Cinquecento" (500 People Square). The dedication ceremony of the obelisk took place on June 5, 1887.

In 1924, "Piazza del Cinquecento" was remodeled. The obelisk was moved in the next year to a small park, a little north of the Piazza where is a little south of "Piazza della Repubblica". The site is a part of "Terme di Diocleziano (Diocletian's Baths). Therefore, this obelisk is also called Terme Obelisk.Terme means baths.

Stats:

Location: Small Park South of Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Ramses II (The 19th Dynasty, reigned B.C. 1304-1237)
Height: 6.34 meters

OBELISK AT MONTE PINCIO

Nobody knows when and how this obelisk was carried to Rome. It was supposedly made by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 2nd century. If so, this obelisk is a replica by Romans. Then, in the 3rd century, this was carried to Circus Varianus (where was out of Porta Maggiore) in order to decorate the "spina" (central reservation), but toppled at unknown date. After being moved various places, Pope Pius VII [reigned 1800-1823] ordered to re-erect it at the present site, "Monte Pincio" (Pincio Hill's Garderns), in September 1822.


Stats:

Location: Pincio Hill's Garderns (Monte Pincio), Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Unknown. It's said the Roman Emperor Hadrianus (Hadrian) made it in 2nd entury.
Height: 9.75 meters

OBELISK AT TRINITA DEI MONTE

The provenance of this obelisk is not clarified, although many sightseers look at it everyday. Unknown ancient Roman Emperor in the 1st or 2nd century is supposed to have made this obelisk, but the details are unknown. The inscription is same as the one in the Piazza del Popolo. Therefore, this is supposed to be a replica by the Roman Emperor.

This was found from the underground of the site of the Sallustian Gardens. Therefore, this obelisk is also called "Sallustian Obelisk". This was supposed to have been here.

In 1734, the era of Pope Clemens XII [reigned 1730-1740], this was transported to the Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano [North of the Basillica di San Giovanni in Laterano], and then remained laying down for 55 years.

In 1789 (1788?), then Pope Pius VI [reigned 1775-1799] erected it in front of the Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti, where is the current site.

It's said that many Romans were afraid that the obelisk is unstable and may topple when the obelisk is erected here, and other Romans also didn't agree with setting up here because the obelisk would harm the beautiful environment. However, these were unnecessary concern. At present, the Spanish Steps is one of the most popular sites in Rome for sightseers. The view from the obelisk site is splendid.

Stats:

Location: The top of the Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Unknown. Probably the Roman Emperor made it in the 1st or 2nd Century.
Height: 13.92 meters

OBELISK AT PIAZZA DEL QUIRINALE

This obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is in Piazza dell'Esquilino. The heights of the both obelisks in Piazza del Quirinale and in Piazza dell'Esquilino are almost same. The obelisk in Piazza dell'Esquilino is higher only 11 cm (4 inches).

The historians assume that probably in the late 1st century, the pair of obelisk was transported from Egypt, in order to decorate the town of Rome. (Source: "The Obelisk of Egypt" by Labib Habachi, 1977 Charles Scribner's Sons) At some unknown date and by some unknown cause, the obelisk fell. In 1519 and in 1781, two obelisks were discovered underground the entrance of the Great Tomb of Emperor Augustus [Mausoleo di Augusto]. The former one was re-erected in Piazza dell'Esquilino, and the latter one was re-erected here.

It was found in three pieces. Pope Pius VI decided to erect this obelisk between the "horse tamers" in the Piazza del Quirinale. The project took about 4 years and completed in 1786. 32 years later, the large water bowl was placed. The combination of these monuments is very unique.

There is no inscription on these obelisks and the one in Vatican City as well. Therefore, I suppose this obelisk is a replica by Romans.

Note: Both Piazza del Quirinale Obelisk and Piazza dell'Esquilino Obelisk can be seen if you are at the crossing of Four Fountains (Quattro Fontane). In addition, Sallustian Obelisk (Trinita dei Monti Obelisk) also can be seen from here. Namely, three obelisks can be seen from this point.

Stats:

Location: Piazza del Quirinale, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Probably a replica by Romans
Height: 14.64 meters

OBELISK AT PIAZZA DELL'ESQUILINO

This obelisk is one of the pair, the companion is in Piazza del Quirinale. The heights of the both obelisks in Piazza dell'Esquilino and in Piazza del Quirinale are almost same. The obelisk in Piazza dell'Esquilino is higher only 11 cm (4 inches).

Probably in the late 1st century, the pair of obelisk was transported from Egypt, in order to decorate the town of Rome. At some unknown date and by some unknown cause, the obelisk fell. In 1519 and in 1781, two obelisks were discovered underground the entrance of the Great Tomb of Emperor Augustus [Mausoleo di Augusto]. The former one was re-erected here in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V [reigned 1585-1590], and the latter one is now in the Piazza del Quirinale.

There is no inscription on these obelisks and the one in Vatican City as well. Therefore, I suppose this obalisk is a replica by Romans.

Note: Both Piazza dell'Esquilino Obelisk and Piazza del Quirinale Obelisk can be seen if you are at the crossing of Four Fountains (Quattro Fontane). In addition, Sallustian Obelisk (Trinita dei Monti Obelisk) also can be seen from here. Namely, three obelisks can be seen from this point.

Stats:

Location: Piazza dell'Esquilino, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Probably a replica by Romans
Height: 14.75 meters

OBELISK AT PIAZZA NAVONA

This obelisk is not from the ancient Egypt, but this was created at Aswan (Upper Egypt, 640 km south of Cairo) by the order of Roman Emperor Domitianus in 1st Century. The name of Domitianus is inscribed with hieroglyphs on this obelisk. From the scene in which a goddess presents the Double Crown to the emperor, it seems that the obelisk was intended for the accession of Domitianus in A.D. 81.

This was carried to Rome and erected between the Serapeum Temple (The temple for the Greco-Egyptian god Serapius) and the Iseum Temple (The temple for the Egyptian goddess Isis), and remained there until early 4th Century when Emperor Maxentius [reigned 306-312] moved it to the Circo di Massenzio. Circo di Massenzio is the grand stadium for chariot race, which was built by the Emperor for the memory of his son Romulus. Since Romulus passed away in around 309, and the Emperor passed away in 312, the obelisk is supposed to have transported to here between 309-312. It was along Ancient Appian Road [Via Appia Antica], 2.8 km south of Porta San Sebastiano, Rome, and the vast site still remains.

At some unknown date, the obelisk was toppled and broken into a few pieces. The famous Pope Sixtus V [reigned 1585-1590] knew about this, but it was lower priority for restoration.

Finally, in 17th Century, Pope Innocentius X [reigned 1644-1655] decided to re-erect it in Piazza Navona in commemoration of his election. Because he had lived in the building which faces the Piazza Navona. He planned to create a fountain, and put the obelisk on it. An architect Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini [or Gianlorenzo Bernini, 1598-1680] wanted to undertake this project, and aggressively appealed his design to the Pope. Then the appointment was made to him on April 11th, 1647. The fountain is called the Fountain of the Four Rivers [Fontana dei Fiumi]. The four rivers of the then-known continents are represented by personifications - The Danube (representing Europe), The Ganges River (representing Asia), The Nile River (representing Africa), The Rio della Plata (representing Americas). This Four Rivers Fountain is one of Bernini's most celebrated works, and also one of typical masterpiece of the Baroque. The pieces of obelisk were assembled, and the dove [a symbol of the Pope family], instead of a Christian cross, was put at the apex, and then the obelisk topped on the Fountain. The entire work was completed in spring 1651.

The high cost of the project caused the tax increase, and resulted in loud protests against the Pope and his family. However, now this memorial is one of the most interested spots in Rome, and the source of endless admiration. You should appreciate this Baroque heritage.

Stats:

Location: Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: None
Height: 16.54 meters
Stone: Red granite

OBELISK AT ST. PETER'S SQUARE

This obelisk, like two others in Rome, is uninscribed, and no one knows where it originally came from or who created it. It is known that Emperor Augustus ordered it erected in the Julian Forum in Alexandria, where it stayed until A.D. 37. That year, the Emperor Caligula had it removed to the Vatican Circus in Rome. According to the Egyptologist Labib Habachi, "Legend has it that in the Vatican Circus innumerable Christians, including St. Peter, were put to death and that the reason this obelisk was not later overturned as were all the others in Rome was that it was looked upon as the last witness to the martyrdom of St. Peter."

In the 16th century, the Pope Sixtus V directed the obelisk to be re-erected in the collonnaded square before the Basilica of St. Peter, where it remains to this day. During its relocation, workers carefully inspected the metal globe that had stood atop the obelisk since Roman times. They were looking for the remains of Caesar, which were reputedly cached there, but they found only dust. After the successful re-erection, triumphant Romans carried the chief engineer, Domenico Fontana, on their shoulders all the way to his home.

Stats:

Location: St. Peter's Square, Vatican, Rome
Pharaoh: Unknown
Height: 83 feet
Weight: 331 tons

OBELISK AT PIAZZA DEL POPOLA

Seti I decorated three sides of this obelisk, while his son Ramses II carved the fourth and erected the obelisk in the sun temple at Heliopolis, a capital of ancient Egypt. In inscriptions on one side of the monolith, Seti I describes himself as "the one who fills Heliopolis with obelisks that their rays may illuminate the Temple of Re." Ramses II, one of history's greatest self-aggrandizers, styled himself as one who made "monuments as innumerable as the stars of heaven. His works join the sky. When Re shines, he rejoices because of [the obelisks] in his temple of millions of years."

In 10 B.C., the obelisk was re-erected at the Circus Maximus in Rome to celebrate Augustus' conquest of Egypt. Sometime later it toppled, to be resurrected in the 16th century under Pope Sixtus V. In 1589, it became the centerpiece of the Piazza del Popola in Rome, where three major avenues of the city converge.

Stats:

Location: Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Seti I (reigned 1318-1304 B.C.)
Height: 75 feet
Weight: 263 tons

OBELISK AT PIAZZA MONTE CITORIO

Psammetikos II, the third king of the 26th Dynasty (666-524 A.D.), erected this obelisk at Heliopolis near Cairo. Many of the inscriptions have eroded away, though a list of the king's many names remains: "The Golden Horus, 'beautifying the Two Lands,' beloved of Atum, lord of Heliopolis; the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Neferibre, beloved of Re-Harakhti; the son of his own body, who seizes the White Crown and who unites the Double Crown, Psammetikos, beloved of the Souls of Heliopolis."

Like the obelisk at the Piazza del Popolo, this obelisk was re-erected in Rome in 10 B.C. to commemorate the emperor Augustus' victories in Egypt. It remained there, in the Campus Martius, for many centuries before falling over in the 10th or 11th century. It wasn't until the 18th century that it was finally restored and re-erected at Monte Citorio.

Stats:

Location: Monte Citorio, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Psammetikos II (reigned 595-589 B.C.)
Height: 72 feet
Weight: 230 tons

OBELISK AT PIAZZA SAN GIOVANNI

The so-called Lateran obelisk is the largest standing obelisk in the world. Its inscriptions state that while it was begun during the reign of Tuthmosis III, it lay in the craftsmen's workshops for 35 years and was finally erected by his grandson Tuthmosis IV. The only single obelisk ever put up in Karnak Temple (obelisks usually came in pairs), it was removed under the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine (A.D. 274-337), who hoped to raise it in his new capital at Constantinople. He died before the obelisk ever left Egypt, and his son and successor Constantius (A.D. 317-361) had it taken to Rome, where it was re-erected in the Circus Maximus.

At some unknown date and by some unknown cause, the obelisk fell. It was not until the 16th century that Pope Sixtus V ordered a search for the monolith. It was found, in three pieces, some 23 feet down in the former Circus Maximus. On August 3, 1588, after more than a year of effort, the Lateran obelisk was raised in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, where it has stood ever since, a Christian cross at its apex.

Stats:

Location: Piazza S. Giovanni, Laterano, Rome, Italy
Pharaoh: Tuthmosis III (reigned 1504-1450 B.C.)
Height: 105.6 feet
Weight: 455 tons