Flaminio Obelisk

The Flaminio Obelisk is an Egyptian granite monument rising 24 meters high in the center of Piazza del Popolo, weighing 235 tons with hieroglyphic inscriptions carved on all four sides. Four stone lions guard its base, creating a striking focal point in the square.

Emperor Augustus had the monument transported from Heliopolis to Rome around 10 BCE and first placed it at the Circus Maximus. In 1589, the obelisk was relocated to its current position on Piazza del Popolo during Renaissance urban planning.

The obelisk displays inscriptions from Pharaoh Seti I and Ramses II alongside Latin and Greek text honoring Augustus's triumphs. This blend of Egyptian hieroglyphics and Roman words shows how conquerors linked ancient traditions to their own achievements.

The obelisk sits directly on Piazza del Popolo and is easily reached on foot from Flaminio Metro Station via Porta del Popolo. Take time to walk around the monument to view all sides and notice the stone lions at the base.

The carved tip of the obelisk features sphinxes presenting the goddess Maat to the sun god Re, connecting the monument to ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. This sacred imagery remains visible today as a reminder of the spiritual world that inspired the ancient builders.