Vatican obelisk, Ancient Egyptian monument in St Peter's Square, Vatican City
The red granite obelisk stands 25 meters tall with a base of bronze lions and reaches 40 meters including the cross at its summit.
Emperor Caligula transported the obelisk from Heliopolis to Rome in 37 AD, placing it in the Circus of Nero before its relocation to St Peter's Square.
The obelisk marks the central point of St Peter's Square, where Bernini designed two fountains and a colonnade to create the grand entrance.
The stone structure functions as a sundial, with circular markers in the square indicating different zodiac signs through the obelisk's shadow at noon.
During the 1586 relocation operation, 900 men and 75 horses worked in complete silence until a sailor prevented disaster by suggesting water for the ropes.
Location: Vatican City
Inception: 19 century BCE
GPS coordinates: 41.90220,12.45630
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:20
Apostolic Palace
157 m
Saint Peter's Square
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Circus of Nero
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Angels Unawares
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Vatican Christmas Tree
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Bronze door of the Apostolic Palace
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Palace of the Holy Office
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Fountains of St. Peter's Square
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Church of Santi Michele e Magno
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Vatican loggias
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Palazzo Jacopo da Brescia
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Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss
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Santa Monica degli Agostiniani
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Santa Maria in Turri
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Arco delle Campane
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Palazzo detto dei Propilei
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Fontana delle Tiare
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Fountain
97 m
Fountain
129 m
Fountain
130 m
Fountain
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Fountain
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Fountain
97 m
Fountain
64 mReviews
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