Elephant and Obelisk, Egyptian obelisk in Piazza della Minerva, Italy
This monument rises in Piazza della Minerva and combines an ancient obelisk of rose granite with a marble elephant as a base. The entire sculpture stands directly in front of the facade of Santa Maria sopra Minerva church and forms a quiet focal point in the center of the square.
The obelisk was created in the sixth century before Christ in Heliopolis and arrived in Rome under Emperor Domitian. Bernini designed the elephant in 1667 for Pope Alexander VII, who had the ancient column re-erected in this way.
The marble elephant carries the obelisk and was created from a design by Bernini, who wanted to join divine wisdom with the strength of the animal. Pope Alexander VII commissioned the work, which now welcomes visitors in front of the church and invites them to pause.
The square is close to the Pantheon and works well as a meeting point during walks through the old town. The monument is freely accessible and can be viewed up close, with visitors able to walk around the base.
The rear of the elephant faces the Dominican convent, a decision Bernini is said to have made after disagreements with the friars. Some visitors notice this orientation and wonder whether it was meant as a joke or as a protest.
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