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 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