Obelisks and columns are two of the most iconic 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.
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 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 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 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 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 is an ancient Egyptian obelisk located in the Piazza di Montecitorio. It dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III, who reigned from 1479-1425 BCE. The obelisk is made of pink granite and stands 16 meters (52 feet) tall. Its inscriptions detail the accomplishments of Thutmose III and commemorate his victory over the Mitanni. The four sides of the obelisk are adorned with hieroglyphs, including depictions of the god Re-Horakhty and inscriptions of Thutmose III’s titles and accomplishments.
The Obelisk of Montecitorio is an ancient Egyptian obelisk standing on the site of the former Roman Forum and was erected by Pharaoh Ramses II in 1250 BC. The obelisk is 28.75 meters tall and is made of pink granite. Its hieroglyphic inscription honors Ramses II and celebrates his victory over the Hittites at Kadesh.
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 Sallustiano Obelisk is a granite obelisk. It was originally constructed in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis during the reign of Pharaoh Nectanebo I (380–362 BC). The obelisk was brought to Rome by the Roman Emperor Augustus and erected in the gardens of his family villa, the Gardens of Sallust, in 10 BC. The obelisk stands 9.5 meters high and weighs 33 tons. It is inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols and images depicting religious ceremonies.
Make sure to explore the Rome at night as the same columns and obelisks look slightly different when lit.