St. Peter Square Obelisk

Interesting facts

1. 1

   It is the only ancient obelisk in Rome that has never fallen since it was brought to the city.

2. 2

   The transport and re-erection of the obelisk in 1586 required 900 men, 75 horses, and 47 cranes.

3. 3

   Legend states the bronze sphere on top contained the ashes of Julius Caesar, though excavations revealed only dust and a relic of the True Cross.

4. 4

   The obelisk is constructed from a single block of red granite weighing approximately 331 tons.

5. 5

   Domenico Fontana used a complex system of 40 winches to hoist the monument, a feat documented in his book 'Della Trasportatione dell'Obelisco Vaticano'.

6. 6

   It served as the 'turning post' (meta) for chariot races held in the ancient Circus of Nero.

7. 7

   The meridian line on the square's pavement functions as a sundial, with the obelisk's shadow marking the zodiac signs at solar noon.

Overview

The St. Peter Square Obelisk is a 25.5-meter tall Egyptian red granite monolith situated at the center of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Originally transported from Heliopolis to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD to serve as the centerpiece of his circus, it is one of the few Roman obelisks to remain upright throughout history. It was relocated to its current position in 1586 by architect Domenico Fontana under the direction of Pope Sixtus V. The obelisk features no hieroglyphics, distinguishing it from most other Egyptian obelisks found in Rome. A bronze cross at the apex contains a relic of the True Cross, placed there following the 1586 relocation. The base is flanked by two fountains and serves as the architectural focal point of Bernini’s elliptical colonnades. It is aligned precisely to act as a gnomon for the meridian line inscribed in the pavement of the square.

Insider tips

• Look for the two circular paving stones on either side of the obelisk; standing on these allows you to see the four rows of columns in the colonnade align perfectly into one.

• Visit during the early morning to avoid the largest crowds and capture the best light on the granite surface.

• Check the Vatican's official calendar, as the square is often closed to tourists during major papal events or Wednesday audiences.