Matteiano obelisk, Egyptian obelisk in Villa Celimontana, Rome, Italy
The Matteiano obelisk is an Egyptian monument located within Villa Celimontana, a public garden on Celio hill, bearing ancient inscriptions on its granite surface. The stone stands roughly 2.70 meters tall and sits among pathways and vegetation within the garden's baroque layout.
The monument was originally erected in the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis under Ramses II and later transported to Rome. In the early 19th century, a granite extension was added to restore it to its intended height.
The obelisk sits within Villa Celimontana and is often passed by visitors without notice, yet it represents a direct connection to the ancient world. Its inscriptions and placement in the garden reflect how Rome absorbed and displayed objects from distant lands.
The obelisk is freely accessible within Villa Celimontana, a public garden on Celio hill near the Colosseum. Visitors can explore the grounds on foot and encounter the monument while strolling through the garden's various pathways.
The obelisk was physically altered in the early 19th century to restore its lost height, making it a deliberate reconstruction combining two different periods. This restoration demonstrates how Rome actively preserved and adapted its treasured objects.
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