Pincio Obelisk

The origins of the Pincio Obelisk date back to ancient Egypt, to the period of Pharaoh Ramses II, during the XIX Egyptian dynasty in the 13th century BC. Initially erected in the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, dedicated to the worship of the sun god, the obelisk remained for centuries a symbol of power and divinity in the land of the pharaohs. However, it was only during the Roman era that the obelisk found its way to Rome, brought by Emperor Augustus to adorn the Campus Martius, the political and military heart of the imperial capital. During the transportation of the obelisk from Alexandria to Rome, which took place in 10 BC, it is said that the event was accompanied by prodigious phenomena and popular superstitions. It is told that lightning struck the obelisk during the journey, interpreted by the Romans as a divine sign of its importance and destiny. This episode was celebrated as a miracle and conferred upon the obelisk an aura of sacredness and veneration among the Roman population. The obelisk, standing over 36 meters tall and decorated with Egyptian inscriptions narrating the deeds and proclamations of Ramses II, is an extraordinary example of architectural and engineering mastery. Its base, adorned with bas-reliefs and sculpted reliefs, represents a true visual encyclopedia of the history and culture of ancient Egypt, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness and complexity of this ancient civilization. Over the centuries, the Pincio Obelisk has undergone numerous transformations and relocations before finding its final position on the Pincio Terrace, under the pontificate of Pope Pius VI in 1789. Here, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens and the panoramic view of the eternal city, the obelisk continues to be one of the most admired and iconic monuments of Rome, attracting tourists and scholars from around the world.