Obelisks and columns are two of the most iconic type of structures in Rome. Obelisks are tall, slender monuments erected in Ancient Rome. Columns are large, cylindrical structures, usually made from stone and often used as a support for a structure. Did you know that Rome has the largest collection of Egyptian Obelisks in the world? Only 28 ancient monolith obelisks exists in the world and Rome has 13!
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The Trajan’s Column – One of the Ancient Columns in Rome
Trajan’s Column is an ancient Roman column. It was constructed between 106 and 113 AD by the Roman emperor Trajan to commemorate his victory in the Dacian Wars. The column stands at a height of 30 meters and is decorated with a spiral frieze that depicts the story of Trajan’s military campaigns. The column is topped with a statue of Trajan which has since been replaced several times over the centuries. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman Imperial art and architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Rome today.
The Lateran Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Lateran Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian obelisk. It is the tallest standing obelisk in the world, standing at 75 feet (23 meters) tall. The obelisk was originally constructed at Heliopolis around 3000 BC, and moved to Rome in the 4th century AD. It is now located in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, the main square of the Lateran Palace. The Lateran Obelisk is decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions that are dedicated to the Egyptian gods Amun-Ra, Isis, and Horus.
The Elephant and Obelisk – Obelisks and columns in Rome
The Elephant and Obelisk, also known as Minerveo Obelisk, is a 17th century Baroque fountain located in the Piazza della Minerva. It consists of an Egyptian obelisk set atop a fountain featuring an elephant with an ancient-style Egyptian obelisk on its back. The elephant is made from pink marble and is said to represent the strength and wisdom of Pope Innocent X, who commissioned the fountain. The obelisk was brought from Egypt in the 16th century and is inscribed with hieroglyphics honouring the Egyptian goddess Isis.
The Macuteo Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Macuteo Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian-style. It stands at a height of 8.25 meters and was erected by King Ptolemy IV Philopator in the 2nd century BC to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Raphia. The obelisk is made of red granite and has hieroglyphic inscriptions on all four sides.
The Flaminio Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Flaminio Obelisk is a large ancient Egyptian obelisk and originally it was erected in Heliopolis in the 15th century BC and was brought to Rome in 10 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus. The obelisk stands 33.8 meters (111 feet) tall and is made of pink granite. It is decorated with hieroglyphics and displays several images of the gods of Ancient Egypt. It is located in Piazza del Popolo, one of the most popular squares in Rome.
The Agonale Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Agonale Obelisk (or Agonalis / Pamphilius) is an ancient Egyptian obelisk located in the Piazza Navona. A replica that was ordered by Domitian and placed at the Temple of Serapis. Later, it was relocated to the Circus of Maxentius by Maxentius. The Earl of Arundel made a down payment and tried to transport the four sections to London in the late 1630s, but Urban VIII prohibited its export. In 1651, Bernini placed it on top of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.
The Obelisk of Montecitorio (Solare Obelisk) – Ancient Obelisk
The Solare Obelisk, also known as the Obelisco di Montecitorio, stands in Piazza Montecitorio in Rome, facing the Italian Chamber of Deputies. This ancient Egyptian monument boasts a rich history, blending pharaonic power with Roman ingenuity.
Pharaoh Psamtik II commissioned it in ancient Egypt (595–589 BC). It once graced the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis, honoring the sun god. Its hieroglyphs praised the pharaoh’s divine authority.
Roman Emperor Augustus brought the obelisk to Rome in 10 BC. He used it as the pointer (gnomon) for the Solarium Augusti, a massive sundial in the Campus Martius. This sundial marked time and seasons, showcasing Roman engineering. The obelisk’s inscription celebrated Augustus’s gift and Rome’s conquest.
Over centuries, the sundial failed, and the obelisk eventually toppled and laid buried. It was rediscovered in the 16th century. In 1792, Pope Pius VI re-erected it in Piazza Montecitorio, in front of the Palazzo Montecitorio, restoring an ancient monument and linking Rome’s papal and imperial past.
The Marcus Aurelius Column – One of the Ancient Columns in Rome
The Marcus Aurelius Column is a Roman triumphal column located in the Piazza Colonna. It was constructed in the year 180 AD by order of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius to commemorate his successful campaigns in Germany. The column is topped by a bronze statue of the emperor and stands 25.45 meters high. It is one of the most famous monuments in Rome and both the column and the statue are an excellent example of Roman sculpture.
The Column of the Immaculate Conception
The Column of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Colonna dell’Immacolata, is located near Spanish steps in Piazza Mignanelli. It was erected in 1857 to honor the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The column stands at approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall and is made of marble.
The monument consists of a Corinthian column, placed on a round base adorned with sculptures. At the top of the column, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary, representing her immaculate conception. The Corinthian column originally was sculpted in ancient Rome and it was discovered on 17th September 1777, during the construction of the monastery for the Benedictine Order of Santa Maria della Concezione.
The Saint Peter’s Square Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The St. Peter’s Square Obelisk, also known as the Obelisco di Piazza San Pietro, stands as a majestic and undeniable focal point in the heart of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Rome. This towering ancient monument commands attention, symbolically anchoring the grand embrace of Bernini’s colonnades and serving as a spiritual beacon for millions. The obelisk itself measures approximately 25.5 meters (83.6 feet) in height, but including its base, cross, and other embellishments, it reaches an impressive 41 meters (134.5 feet). Carved from red granite, this colossal structure weighs approximately 330 metric tons (727,525 pounds).
Its origins are genuinely ancient and deeply rooted in Egypt. This particular obelisk was originally commissioned by Pharaoh Amenemhat II during the 12th Dynasty, around 1900 BC, making it one of the very oldest obelisks to grace Rome. It once stood in the vibrant city of Heliopolis, dedicated to the sun god Ra, its surfaces adorned with hieroglyphs that praised the pharaoh and declared his divine connection.
The obelisk’s perilous journey to Rome occurred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Caligula, around 37 AD. He ordered its transport across the Mediterranean, a colossal undertaking, for his new circus. Nero later inherited and completed this circus, known as the Circus of Nero, where the obelisk served as the central spina (spine) marker. It bore witness to the horrific spectacles of early Roman persecutions, including the martyrdom of St. Peter himself, who tradition holds was crucified very near its base. This makes it a silent, powerful link to the very beginnings of Christianity in Rome.
For centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, the obelisk stood unbowed, the only ancient obelisk in Rome that never toppled. It remained in its original Roman location, even after the Circus of Nero fell into ruin and St. Peter’s Basilica began to rise beside it. Its journey to St. Peter’s Square culminated in 1586 AD.
Its current prominent placement in St. Peter’s Square was a monumental feat orchestrated by Pope Sixtus V. He entrusted his chief architect, Domenico Fontana, with the unprecedented challenge of moving the colossal obelisk a short distance to its new, central position. This was an engineering marvel for its time, involving hundreds of men, horses, and a complex system of ropes and pulleys, executed to perfection. The obelisk was then Christianised, surmounted by a bronze cross containing fragments believed to be from the True Cross, and its base inscribed with exorcistic phrases, various Christian symbols, such as the cross and the names of saints. It now powerfully symbolises the triumph of Christianity over paganism.
Zoomed in Obelisk visible from the Saint Peter’s Basilica
The Sallustiano Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Sallustiano Obelisk, a slender and elegant tribute to ancient Egyptian forms, stands prominently in Piazza della Trinità dei Monti. Standing high, with a height of around 14 m height and considering the base 30 m aslso weighting around 300t, at the top of the Spanish Steps, it visually pierces the sky directly in front of the iconic Trinità dei Monti church, offering a magnificent backdrop to one of Rome’s most famous and bustling squares.
Unlike the genuine Pharaonic obelisks scattered across Rome, the Sallustiano Obelisk is a Roman imitation of an Egyptian original. It was carved in Rome during the Imperial era, likely in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. Its hieroglyphs are also Roman creations, copied from the authentic inscriptions found on the Flaminian Obelisk (now in Piazza del Popolo). This practice reflects the Roman emperors’ profound admiration for Egyptian culture and their desire to appropriate its monumental grandeur for their own capital. It originally graced the Gardens of Sallust (Horti Sallustiani), a vast and luxurious imperial estate that gave the obelisk its current name.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the obelisk, like so many others, eventually toppled and laid broken for centuries within the ruins of the Sallustian Gardens. It remained largely forgotten until the late 18th century, when its fragmented pieces were rediscovered.
Its current majestic placement was the vision of Pope Pius VI, who orchestrated its re-erection in 1789. The decision to place it at the top of the Spanish Steps was a strategic one, designed to provide a dramatic vertical axis and to connect the urban space below with the Trinità dei Monti church above. It was also intended to complement the other obelisks being restored and re-erected throughout the city, contributing to Rome’s renewed monumental splendour under the papacy.
The Obelisk of Dogali – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Monument to the Fallen of Dogali (Obelisk of Dogali) is a memorial in Rome dedicated to the Italian soldiers who died in the Battle of Dogali. This battle took place in 1887 and was a significant defeat for Italy during its colonial expansion in East Africa. The monument features an obelisk on a base, surrounded by markers with the names of the fallen soldiers. According to historical accounts, the obelisk have originated in Egypt during the 13th century BC. It is said to have been created and erected by pharaoh Ramses II and was likely situated in the ancient city of Heliopolis. Later, in the late 1st century CE, Emperor Domitian of Rome had the sculpture transported to Rome, where it was eventually buried at some point and unearthed by archaeologists in 1883. The monument was dedicated in 1887 and was initially located in front of the Termini Station before being moved to its current position near the Baths of Diocletian in 1925.
The Esquiline Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Esquiline Obelisk (Obelisco Esquilino) majestically stands in Piazza dell’Esquilino in Rome. This towering, ancient stone monolith, etched with the echoes of forgotten empires, possesses a captivating and turbulent history.
Pharaoh Ramesses II of Egypt commissioned its creation, placing it as a magnificent tribute within the sacred Temple of Ra at Heliopolis around the 13th century BC. There, its towering form honoured the mighty sun god Ra. The intricate hieroglyphs on it proclaimed the pharaoh’s divine lineage and unparalleled might.
Centuries later, the ambitious Roman Emperor Augustus, in 10 BC, orchestrated its perilous transport across the Mediterranean to the heart of Rome. He strategically positioned it within the vast expanse of the Circus Maximus, the colossal arena that throbbed with the roar of the crowds. Here, it stood as one of a magnificent pair, anchoring the spina, the central dividing barrier of the race track. From this vantage point, it silently witnessed countless exhilarating chariot races, becoming an iconic backdrop to the thrilling spectacles of the Roman world.
However, the grandeur of Rome eventually waned. The mighty obelisk succumbed to time and turmoil, toppling from its pedestal and lying fragmented for centuries. It laid dormant until the late 16th century when Pope Sixtus V, a visionary and energetic pontiff determined to reshape Rome, rediscovered its scattered remnants. Driven by a desire to glorify the Eternal City and forge clear pathways for Christian pilgrims, he entrusted his brilliant chief architect, Domenico Fontana, with the seemingly impossible task of raising these colossal stones once more. In 1587, through an astounding feat of engineering, the Obelisco Esquilino was triumphantly re-erected. Its new, prominent home directly in front of the grand Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore imbued it with a profound Christian significance. Now, it piercingly points skyward, a potent symbol of Christianity’s ascendancy and its luminous triumph in the spiritual heart of Rome.
The Matteiano Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Matteiano Obelisk, a testament to both ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and the enduring fascination of Rome, currently graces the verdant expanse of the Villa Celimontana gardens in Rome, which is free of charge to visit. This elegant, albeit smaller, obelisk possesses a fragmented but intriguing history.
Its origins firmly lie in ancient Egypt, initially commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II during the 13th century BC, much like its grander siblings that found their way to Rome. It once stood in the sacred complex of the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis, serving as a monumental dedication to the sun god. Its original hieroglyphs, now largely lost or eroded, would have proclaimed the pharaoh’s piety and divine authority.
The obelisk’s journey to Rome remains shrouded in some mystery, but it likely arrived during the Roman Imperial period, brought as a trophy or an adornment for one of the city’s many grand complexes. For centuries, its precise location in ancient Rome is not definitively known, unlike some of its more famous counterparts. It probably lay toppled and buried for a significant period, a forgotten relic of a bygone era, much like many other Roman obelisks before their rediscovery.
Its modern history begins in the 16th century when it was acquired by the prominent Mattei family. This powerful Roman family became renowned collectors of antiquities, and they installed the obelisk in the grounds of their family villa, the Villa Mattei (now known as Villa Celimontana), giving the obelisk its current name. Today, it stands as a charming focal point within the villa’s picturesque gardens, offering a tranquil contrast to the bustling city outside. It does not carry the overt Christian symbolism imparted to obelisks re-erected by popes, but rather serves as a beautiful historical artefact.
The Quirinale Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Quirinale Obelisk, a testament to both ancient Egyptian monumental ambition and later Roman architectural grandeur, stands proudly atop Quirinal Hill in Rome, specifically in Piazza del Quirinale. It holds a commanding position, flanked by the colossal statues of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) and overlooking the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic.
Like many of Rome’s obelisks, its true origin lies in ancient Egypt. It dates back to the Pharaonic period, though its precise original location and the pharaoh who commissioned it are not as definitively established as some other Roman obelisks. Scholars generally attribute it to the Ptolemaic period, a later era of Egyptian history after the conquests of Alexander the Great. It likely formed part of a pair, perhaps adorning a significant temple in Heliopolis or elsewhere, its hieroglyphs now lost to time and weathering.
Its journey to Rome occurred during the Roman Imperial era, brought over as a trophy or an architectural embellishment, as was common practice. It found its initial Roman home as part of the grand Mausoleum of Augustus, where it stood alongside another obelisk (now the Esquilino Obelisk). For centuries, it marked a significant spot within this imperial tomb complex, a silent witness to the resting place of Rome’s first emperor.
Over time, like many ancient monuments, the obelisk toppled and became buried. Its rediscovery occurred during the Renaissance, and it was later re-erected in the late 18th century. Pope Pius VI commissioned its installation at its current prominent location on Quirinal Hill in 1786. The placement was carefully chosen: it formed a powerful monumental group with the already existing and impressive statues of the Horse Tamers (the Dioscuri) that had been moved there decades prior. This strategic positioning elevated the aesthetic and symbolic power of the piazza, reflecting both papal authority and an appreciation for classical antiquity.
The Pinciano Obelisk – One of the Ancient Obelisks in Rome
The Pinciano Obelisk, a soaring testament to Rome’s enduring fascination with ancient Egypt and later Roman imperial ambitions, crowns the magnificent Pincian Hill (Pincio) in Rome, specifically overlooking Piazza del Popolo. Its prominent position offers breathtaking views across the city, making it a beloved landmark.
Its true origins lie not with the pharaohs, but with the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Unlike other obelisks that were spoils of war from Egypt, the Pinciano Obelisk was carved in Rome itself, a deliberate act of Roman craftsmanship mimicking Egyptian monumental art. It was originally intended as a dedication to Hadrian’s beloved deified companion, Antinous, whom the emperor deeply mourned after his untimely death. The obelisk was first erected at Antinous’s shrine or temple within Hadrian’s lavish Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) in Tivoli, a vast imperial complex outside Rome. Its hieroglyphs, unlike true Egyptian ones, recount the story of Antinous’s deification and his tragic drowning in the Nile.
After the decline of the Roman Empire, the obelisk eventually toppled and lay buried amidst the ruins of Villa Adriana. It remained lost for centuries until its rediscovery in the 16th century. However, it was not immediately re-erected. Its fragmented pieces lay scattered until the late 18th and early 19th centuries when its reassembly and re-erection were planned as part of a larger urban renewal project.
Finally, in 1822, Pope Pius VII commissioned its current placement on the Pincian Hill. This was a strategic choice by the architect Giuseppe Valadier, who was transforming Piazza del Popolo and creating the Pincian Gardens. The Pinciano Obelisk now serves as a dramatic vertical accent, visually connecting the sprawling gardens atop the hill with the vast oval of Piazza del Popolo below. It stands not only as a striking piece of Roman imperial art, a unique example of a Roman-made “Egyptian” obelisk, but also as an integral part of one of Rome’s most elegant and iconic urban landscapes, continuously drawing the gaze of visitors admiring the city’s unparalleled beauty.
The Villa Torlonia Obelisk – Modern Obelisk
The Villa Torlonia Obelisk (Obelisco di Villa Torlonia), a singular, slender monument designed in the Egyptian style, stands within the picturesque grounds of Villa Torlonia in Rome. This obelisk, along with two distinct columns, forms part of the eclectic and impressive landscaping of what was once a grand aristocratic estate.
Its creation is a testament to 19th-century Roman aristocratic taste and the fascination with ancient Egyptian aesthetics, rather than ancient Egyptian origins. The obelisk was specifically commissioned by the wealthy and influential Torlonia family in the 19th century. They had it carved in an Egyptian Revival style to enhance their newly acquired and extensively landscaped Villa Torlonia. This act was a clear display of the family’s immense wealth and their sophisticated appreciation for monumental and exotic forms. It was erected in 1842. Its purpose was purely aesthetic and symbolic, intended to evoke the grandeur of ancient Egypt within a private, opulent garden setting. The columns in the vicinity are separate architectural features that complement the obelisk’s design but are distinct from it.
Today, the Obelisco di Villa Torlonia stands as an elegant focal point within the now publicly owned Villa Torlonia gardens. It offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Roman aristocratic opulence and the artistic trends of the era, where classical and exotic styles were combined. The best part, that you can visit it free of charge.
There are also two columns in Villa Torlonia. Those columns are the restored and re-erected ancient Roman columns, specifically Doric columns. They were part of a larger collection of archaeological finds and classical elements that the Torlonia family incorporated into their grand landscaping and architectural designs for the villa in the 19th century.
The Marconi Obelisk – Modern Obelisk
Marconi Obelisk, unlike its more ancient Egyptian counterparts, stands as a relatively modern marvel within the heart of Rome, specifically in the EUR district. This striking, contemporary monument possesses a unique origin and a clear, intentional meaning.
Its creation is a testament to the modern era of Italian architecture and national ambition. It does not trace its lineage back to the pharaohs of the Nile. Instead, it was conceptualized and erected in the 20th century. Designed by architect Cesare Ligini, it was built between 1939 and 1941, during the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. It emerged as a key component of the ambitious architectural project for the Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR), a grand universal exposition planned for 1942 that was ultimately cancelled due to World War II.
The Obelisk’s primary function was to symbolize the sun and the Fascist ideology’s connection to ancient Roman power and imperial glory. Its name, “Solare,” explicitly refers to the sun, a potent symbol in many ancient cultures and adopted by the Fascist movement to evoke themes of vitality, strength, and a new dawn. It anchors the Palazzo degli Uffici, one of the central buildings of the EUR, which itself embodied the regime’s architectural vision for a new, modern Rome. Its clean lines and stark simplicity reflect the rationalist architectural style favored during that period.
Today, the Solare Obelisk endures as a prominent feature of the EUR, a district originally designed as a “new city” representing a modern, monumental Rome. While its original political connotations have faded for many, it stands as a significant piece of 20th-century Italian architecture and urban planning.
The Obelisco Novecento – Neo-Futuristic Obelisc
The “Novecento” sculpture, sometimes referred as Obelisco Novecento, a striking and highly abstract work by renowned Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro, stands as a captivating modern landmark in Rome’s EUR district. Located specifically at the intersection of Viale Europa and Viale America, its imposing yet ethereal form offers a stark contrast to both the ancient monuments of Rome and even the more classical 20th-century obelisks in the city.
This sculpture is a product of late 20th-century artistic innovation, far removed from imperial decrees or religious dedications. It was created by Pomodoro, known globally for his bronze spheres and complex geometric forms, and was inaugurated in 2004. This makes it one of Rome’s most contemporary monumental artworks. “Novecento” (meaning “Twentieth Century” or “Nineteen Hundred”) embodies Pomodoro’s signature style, featuring a central column seemingly composed of stacked, fractured, and interlocking bronze elements, suggesting both growth and tension. It does not carry traditional hieroglyphs or historical narratives.
The sculpture’s primary purpose is artistic and reflective. It functions as a significant piece of public art within the modern urban fabric of the EUR, a district that continues its evolution from its Fascist-era foundations. Pomodoro’s works often explore themes of fragmentation, renewal, and the internal forces that shape external forms. “Novecento” adds a unique layer of contemporary artistic dialogue to Rome’s rich historical tapestry, inviting viewers to contemplate its abstract beauty and the era it represents.
I only covered 9 out of 13 ancient obelisks in the first time I was capturing them in 2022. That time I missed I missed Esquiline, Matteiano, Quirinale and Pinciano obelisks. However, on my visit in 2024 I captured the rest!
Check out my blog post how the same Obelisks and columns in Rome look at night and please leave your thoughts, feedback or suggestions.