Images of Saint Peter’s Square are frequently broadcast around the World. Perhaps not surprising given that this is at the public heart of the Vatican City. Cameras tend to be directed towards St Peter’s Basilica and its iconic Renaissance dome, which dominates the skyline of Rome. Another monument also features prominently in these images; that is the obelisk that stands at the centre of the square. An obelisk that was brought to Rome from Egypt by Caligula in 37 AD. But, why does the Vatican have a four thousand year old Egyptian obelisk?
- Thomas Dowson
- Last Checked and/or Updated 22 April 2023
- No Comments
- Italy, Italy Travel Tips & Ideas, Rome, Street Sightseeing
There are a number of ancient Egyptian obelisks standing in Rome, in fact eight of them (a further five obelisks were made by Roman stonecutters). An interesting fact about the Eternal City is that there are more erect obelisks from Egypt in Rome than there are anywhere else in the World, including Egypt. They were all brought to Rome by various Roman Emperors. This particular example, often called the Vatican Obelisk and sometimes Caligula’s Obelisk, is the only ancient Egyptian obelisk in Rome to have remained standing since Roman times.
Sadly, little is known of its origins or which Pharaoh ordered its construction, because it has no hieroglyphs on it that would record that information. It was certainly quarried in Egypt and intended to be erected in Heliopolis. Sometime between 30 and 28 BC the red granite obelisk shows up in Alexandria under Augustus’s instructions to have it erected in the Julian Forum there.
It was Gaius Caligula who had the obelisk bought to Rome in 37 AD. It was the largest non-inscribed obelisk to leave Egypt, at 25.5 m high and weighing an estimated 326 tonnes. The obelisk was originally erected in gardens Caligula had inherited from his mother, and then on the central spina of a circus that was started by Caligula and completed during Nero’s reign. Much of this circus is under under the basilica and square. The original spot for the obelisk is near the present-day sacristy, south of the basilica, and is marked by a plaque in the ground.
Because of the solid pedestal on which the obelisk was placed, it remained standing for 1,500 until it was moved to where it stands today in Saint Peter’s Square. It took thirteen months, between 1585 and 1586 to move and re-erect the obelisk. The idea to move it was that of Pope Sixtus V, as part of his desire to recover and re-erect all the obelisks lying then in the ruins of Rome.
Legend had it that the original metal globe that was placed at the top held the ashes of Julius Caesar. During the re-siting of the obelisk, the globe was opened and found to be empty. The globe can now be seen in the Museo dei Conservatori. The cross at the top of the obelisk today is said to have certain relics of Jesus Christ.
For anyone interested in reading more about the various Egyptian obelisks scattered in cities around the World, I thoroughly recommend Susan Sorek’s The Emperors’ Needles. Sorek’s book provides fascinating biographies of each of the obelisks, explaining why these objects were so significant to Roman rulers.
Visiting St Peter’s Square & the Vatican City
Vatican City Pass
Included in his pass is a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, and entry to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.Â
Guided Tour
A highly rated, 1.5 hour guided tour of St Peter’s Square and Basilica. With an optional visit to the dome.
Skip-the-Line Tickets
A good option for tickets to the Vatican Museums, with good optional add-ons to suit your needs, including Vatican Gardens.
Add the Vatican Obelisk to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists
You can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itinerary for your Vatican and Rome visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page.
For more sites and museums in the Vatican and Rome, see Art, Archaeology & History Sites & Museums in Rome & the Vatican.
Vatican Obelisk
Of the 13 Egyptian obelisks brought to Rome, the Vatican Obelisk is the only ancient obelisk in Rome to have remained standing since Roman times. It was the largest non-inscribed obelisk to leave Egypt, at 25.5 m high and weighing an estimated 326 tonnes. It was Gaius Caligula who had the obelisk bought to Rome in 37 AD. The obelisk was originally erected in gardens Caligula had inherited from his mother, and then on the central spina of a circus, where it stood until 1585 when it was re-erected in its present position the centre of St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
Archaeology Travel Writer
