Elephant and Obelisk, Egyptian obelisk in Piazza della Minerva, Italy
A red granite obelisk rests upon a marble elephant base, reaching a total height of 12.7 meters in front of Santa Maria sopra Minerva church.
The obelisk dates from the 6th century BC, originally stood in Heliopolis, Egypt, and was transported to Rome during Emperor Domitian's reign.
The marble elephant supporting the obelisk was designed by Bernini in 1667 as a symbol of divine wisdom and strength for Pope Alexander VII.
The monument stands in a central square near the Pantheon, making it an effective meeting point for visitors exploring the historic center.
The elephant base faces the Dominican convent with its hindquarters, a deliberate design choice by Bernini following disputes with Dominican friars.
Location: Rome
Inception: 1667
Creator: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Made from material: rose granite
GPS coordinates: 41.89797,12.47756
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:43
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