St. Peter Square Obelisk
St. Peter Square Obelisk things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Vatican CitySt. Peter Square Obelisk
Plan your stay
&promo_pic=/one-page/coolest.jpg)
Posts
The St. Peter's Square Obelisk, standing at the heart of Vatican City, is a monumental structure with a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt, it was crafted from red granite and is one of Rome’s thirteen ancient obelisks. Measuring approximately 25.5 meters (84 feet) tall and weighing around 326 tons, the obelisk was transported to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD and initially stood in the central spina of his circus, which later became the site of Nero’s Circus. This circus is significant in Christian history as it is traditionally believed to be the site where St. Peter was martyred. The obelisk was moved to its current location in St. Peter’s Square by Pope Sixtus V in 1586. Architect Domenico Fontana oversaw the relocation, which was an impressive feat of engineering for the time. This project required the combined efforts of 900 men, 75 horses, and a complex system of ropes and pulleys to safely transport and erect the obelisk in its new position. The obelisk holds deep symbolism within the Christian context, representing both a connection to ancient civilizations and a testament to the endurance of the Christian faith. At its peak, the cross was placed to signify the triumph of Christianity over paganism. Today, the obelisk serves as a central focal point in St. Peter’s Square, where millions of pilgrims and visitors gather annually. Encircled by Bernini’s stunning colonnades, it stands as a testament to the blend of art, faith, and history, making it an iconic symbol of both the Vatican and Rome itself.
Berkay
00
St. Peter’s Square Obelisk, Vatican City As you walk into St. Peter’s Square, the atmosphere is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The grand layout of the square, surrounded by its iconic colonnades, draws you naturally toward the towering obelisk standing proudly at its center. The obelisk immediately commands your attention, not only for its height and ancient origins but also for its role as the heart of this monumental space. Originally brought from Egypt during the Roman Empire, it now symbolizes a connection between ancient civilizations and the modern Vatican. The square buzzes with life, filled with visitors from around the world—tourists, pilgrims, and locals—all drawn to the spiritual and historical significance of the site. The alignment of the obelisk with St. Peter’s Basilica creates a striking and balanced visual effect, adding to the sense of order and grandeur. As you stand near the obelisk, you’ll notice the intricate compass rose at its base, a detail that enhances its significance. The sheer scale of the square and the presence of the obelisk combine to make you feel part of something much larger—both historically and spiritually. Walking into this space is not just about seeing an iconic landmark; it’s about immersing yourself in the energy of a place that has witnessed centuries of history and continues to inspire awe in everyone who visits. The St. Peter’s Square Obelisk is truly a centerpiece that captures the essence of this extraordinary location.
Surakul
00
Smallest country in world, Power Center of Cristian Religion. Holy Place, Very Old Church. Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It's home to the Pope and a trove of iconic art and architecture. Its Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures such as the famed. The Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its centre is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. The basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world, the fruit of the combined genius of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderno. Site of the tomb of the Apostle Saint Peter, first of the uninterrupted succession of Roman Pontiffs, and therefore a main pilgrimage centre, the Vatican is directly and tangibly linked with the history of Christianity. Furthermore, it is both an ideal and an exemplary creation of the Renaissance and of Baroque art. It exerted an enduring influence on the development of the arts from the 16th century.
Digvijay Singh
00
The Obelisco Vaticano (Vatican Obelisk) in Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square) is one of the most notable features of the square. Originally from Egypt, this ancient obelisk dates back over 4,000 years. Key Facts: 1. History: The obelisk was erected in Heliopolis (modern-day Cairo) by an unknown Egyptian pharaoh and later brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 CE. It was originally placed in the Circus of Nero, near where St. Peter’s Basilica now stands. 2. Height: The obelisk stands about 25.5 meters (84 feet) tall and weighs around 326 tons. With its pedestal, the total height is about 40 meters (132 feet). 3. Placement: In 1586, under the papacy of Pope Sixtus V, the obelisk was moved to its current location in the center of St. Peter’s Square, a remarkable feat of engineering for the time. 4. Symbolism: The obelisk has Christian significance as it stands at the heart of the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. A bronze cross at the top is said to contain a fragment of the True Cross, linking it to Christian traditions. 5. Fountain Alignment: The obelisk is aligned with the two fountains in the square, adding to the symmetry and grandeur of the space.
Matúš Komarňanský
00
Known as the Vatican Obelisk or the Obelisk of Caligula, this is an ancient Egyptian obelisk that was originally erected in Heliopolis around 13th century BC. It was brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD and placed in the Circus of Nero. Later, in 1586, Pope Sixtus V had it moved to its current location in St. Peter's Square, where it stands as a centerpiece. The obelisk is not directly associated with Jesus, but it has become a symbol of Christianity's triumph over paganism. At the top of the obelisk is a bronze globe, surmounted by a cross, which was added during the 16th century by Pope Sixtus V. This addition symbolizes the Christianization of the obelisk and the triumph of Christianity over the ancient pagan beliefs. This obelisk in St. Peter's Square is an iconic landmark and a symbol of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. It serves as a focal point for ceremonies and gatherings in the square and is a powerful symbol of the Church's history and influence.
Y. T. Nixon Tan
00
St. Peter's Square (Italian: Piazza San Pietro [ˈpjattsa sam ˈpjɛːtro], Latin: Forum Sancti Petri) is a large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the papal enclave inside Rome, directly west of the neighbourhood or rione of Borgo. Both the square and the basilica are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus considered by some to be the first Pope. At the centre of the square is an ancient Egyptian obelisk, erected at the current site in 1586. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the square almost 100 years later, including the massive Doric colonnades, four columns deep, which embrace visitors in "the maternal arms of Mother Church". A granite fountain constructed by Bernini in 1675 matches another fountain designed by Carlo Maderno in 1613.
Arban Shehu
00
Nearby Attractions Of St. Peter Square Obelisk
Vatican Museums
St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo
Sistine Chapel
Saint Peter's Square Vatican City Italy
Parco della Mole Adriana
St. Angelo Bridge
Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
Murano Max Murano Glass Rome
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II
Vatican Museums
4.6
(60.4K)
Click for details
St. Peter's Basilica
4.8
(51.7K)
Click for details
Castel Sant'Angelo
4.7
(31.8K)
Click for details
Sistine Chapel
4.7
(28K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of St. Peter Square Obelisk
Ristorante Pizzeria Castello
Caffè Delle Commari
Ristorante dei Musei
Pancia Felice
La Soffitta Renovatio
L'Isola della Pizza
Ristorante Pizzeria Marcantonio
La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo
OSTERIA FARUSO
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale
Ristorante Pizzeria Castello
4.7
(6K)
Click for details
Caffè Delle Commari
4.8
(3.5K)
Click for details
Ristorante dei Musei
4.6
(2.6K)
Click for details
Pancia Felice
4.5
(2.5K)
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(4.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
accessibility
family friendly
attractions: Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter's Square Vatican City Italy, Parco della Mole Adriana, St. Angelo Bridge, Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience, Murano Max Murano Glass Rome, Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, restaurants: Ristorante Pizzeria Castello, Caffè Delle Commari, Ristorante dei Musei, Pancia Felice, La Soffitta Renovatio, L'Isola della Pizza, Ristorante Pizzeria Marcantonio, La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo, OSTERIA FARUSO, Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale
- Please manually select your location for better experience