Obelisco Vaticano (Obelisk of St Peter's Square), Rome

Rome hosts the largest collection of obelisks in the world, including eight Egyptian and five Roman ones. While Egyptian obelisks were typically erected as single blocks in front of temples or pyramids honoring the sun god Ra, Roman obelisks often served as dedications to the ruling emperor of the time. Unlike their Egyptian counterparts adorned with hieroglyphics, Roman obelisks were simpler in design.

The obelisk in Saint Peter's Square has a fascinating history. Now known as the Vatican Obelisk, it was brought from Heliopolis, Egypt, by Emperor Caligula in 40 AD. Transporting obelisks was a complex and challenging task, requiring the construction of special boats, known as "obelisk boats", designed specifically for the purpose. The Caligula obelisk was originally installed at the center of his circus, later known as the Circus of Nero. This site is now largely encompassed by Vatican City.

Saint Peter was martyred in Rome in 64 AD under Emperor Nero. According to legend, he was crucified upside down, at his own request, deeming himself unworthy to die like Jesus. His crucifixion occurred in the Circus of Nero near the obelisk, which is now revered as a memorial “witness” to Peter’s death.

In 1586, Pope Sixtus V ordered relocating the obelisk to its current position next to Saint Peter’s Basilica, as a symbolic gesture representing the triumph of Christianity over paganism. This monumental task, directed by architect Domenico Fontana, took over 13 months of preparation and the use of 800 men, 160 horses, and 45 winches. On the day of the move, a sailor named Benedetto Bresca famously shouted, “Water on the ropes!” to prevent the ropes from snapping under the obelisk's weight.

A medieval legend held that the bronze globe atop the obelisk once contained the ashes of Julius Caesar or Trajan. During the obelisk relocation, the globe was removed and eventually placed in the Conservators' Palace in 1848. Sixtus V granted indulgences to those venerating the cross atop the obelisk which was believed to have included a relic of the True Cross within it. However, no relic was discovered during later restorations. In 1740, a reliquary from Saint Peter’s Basilica was placed inside the cross.

The red granite monument reaches a height of over 25 meters (or nearly 40 meters together with its cross and bronze-lion base) and is the only ancient obelisk in Rome that has never fallen.

The obelisk’s inscriptions reflect its historical journey. Two ancient inscriptions commemorate its dedication to the emperors Augustus and Tiberius, while four inscriptions added during its re-dedication in 1586 highlight its Christian significance. These include declarations of Christ’s victory and the acknowledgment of Domenico Fontana’s pivotal role in moving and erecting the obelisk.