How many obelisks are there in Rome and where can they be found?

Strolling through Rome’s piazzas, one can’t help but notice a recurring feature: the obelisks. Towering and slender, often crowned with crosses or Christian symbols, these ancient monoliths trace a history that stretches from the sands of Egypt to imperial Rome and on to the papal age. No other city in the world boasts so many. Exploring the obelisks of Rome is like embarking on a journey through centuries and civilisations.

How many obelisks are there in Rome?

Rome is home to 13 obelisks today, eight of which are ancient (either brought from Egypt or crafted in the Egyptian style during the Roman Empire) and five of more recent origin, dating from the Renaissance, Baroque or modern periods. Some were brought to the city by Roman emperors, who saw them as symbols of power and their dominance over Egypt. Others were later rediscovered, restored and installed in the city’s main squares at the request of various popes. A number were also created in later centuries, inspired by the originals, to honour political figures or contemporary ideals.

Lateran Obelisk

The Lateran Obelisk is the tallest ancient obelisk in the world, standing at 32.18 metres (over 45 metres including its base). Originally from Karnak in Egypt, it was commissioned in the 15th century BC by Pharaoh Thutmose III and later completed by his grandson, Thutmose IV. It was brought to Rome in the 4th century AD on the orders of Emperor Constantius II and was initially installed at the Circus Maximus. Rediscovered and restored in 1588, it was repositioned in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano by Pope Sixtus V.

Vatican Obelisk

The Vatican Obelisk is an Egyptian monument of uncertain date, likely carved in Heliopolis during the reign of an unidentified pharaoh. It was transported to Rome by Emperor Caligula in the 1st century AD and erected in Nero’s Circus. In 1586, Pope Sixtus V ordered its relocation to the centre of St Peter’s Square. The move, overseen by architect Domenico Fontana, was one of the most ambitious engineering feats of the time. Remarkably, it is one of the few ancient Egyptian obelisks to have remained standing since antiquity.

Flaminian Obelisk

Standing in Piazza del Popolo, this obelisk originates from Heliopolis and dates back to the 13th century BC, during the reign of Ramses II. It was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus to commemorate his victory over Egypt and was originally erected in the Circus Maximus. Rediscovered in 1589, it was reinstalled by Pope Sixtus V in front of the Flaminian Gate (now Piazza del Popolo) as a symbolic welcome to those arriving in Rome from the north.

Obelisk of Montecitorio

Also known as the Solar Obelisk, it was brought to Rome by Augustus in 10 BC to serve as the gnomon of a monumental sundial. Initially set up in the Campus Martius, it lay buried for centuries before being restored and placed in front of Palazzo Montecitorio in 1792 by Pope Pius VI. It remains one of the best-preserved obelisks in terms of its inscriptions.

Agonal Obelisk

Standing at the heart of Piazza Navona, the Agonal Obelisk rises above Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. Though it resembles its Egyptian counterparts, it is in fact a Roman obelisk, originally carved for the Temple of Isis. Rediscovered in the 17th century, it was relocated to the square in 1651 at the request of Pope Innocent X. The fusion of Baroque architecture and ancient Roman homage to Egypt makes it one of the most striking and theatrical monuments in the city.

Quirinal Obelisk

This uninscribed obelisk originally stood near the Mausoleum of Augustus. In 1786, during a period of urban redevelopment, it was moved to its current position in front of the Quirinal Palace. Alongside the fountain of the Dioscuri and its twin, the Sallustian Obelisk, it contributes to the grand and harmonious composition of the square.

Sallustian Obelisk

A twin of the Quirinal Obelisk, though dating from the Roman Imperial era, this monument was discovered in the Gardens of Sallust and moved to Piazza di Spagna in 1789. It stands at the top of the Spanish Steps beside Trinità dei Monti, overlooking the iconic view down Via Condotti. Thanks to its striking location, it is among the most photographed obelisks in Rome.

Aurelian Obelisk

Also known as the Esquiline Obelisk, it is located behind the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Of Roman origin, it was originally part of the Mausoleum of Augustus. It was relocated to its current site in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V, a key figure in the restoration and repositioning of Rome’s ancient obelisks.

Marconi Obelisk

Erected in the 20th century for the 1942 Universal Exhibition of Rome (which was never held due to the war), the Marconi Obelisk stands in Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi, in the EUR district. Measuring 45 metres in height, it is entirely clad in Carrara marble and adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the achievements and inventions of the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. It is the most recent of Rome’s monumental obelisks.

Obelisk of Dogali

Often overlooked by tourists, the Obelisk of Dogali is among the smallest and least known in Rome. It stands near the Baths of Diocletian, close to Termini Station, in a small flowerbed between Via delle Terme di Diocleziano and Via delle Finanze. This authentic Egyptian obelisk originated from the Temple of the Sun at Heliopolis and dates back to the reign of Ramses II. Rediscovered in the 16th century near the Mausoleum of Augustus, it was repurposed in 1883 to commemorate the Battle of Dogali in Eritrea, where 500 Italian soldiers lost their lives.

Mattei Obelisk

Set within the gardens of Villa Celimontana, this small Egyptian obelisk originates from Heliopolis and is dedicated to Ramses II. It was originally erected in the Temple of Isis before being relocated to Villa Celimontana in the 16th century by the Mattei family. Standing just over two metres tall, it is the smallest of Rome’s obelisks, yet it holds significant historical and symbolic value.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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