description Minerveo Obelisk Overview
The Minerveo Obelisk is a small ancient Egyptian granite obelisk standing in Piazza della Minerva in Rome, near the Pantheon. Pope Alexander VII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design its supporting monument, which features a marble elephant carved by Ercole Ferrata and unveiled in 1667. The obelisk originally came from the sanctuary of Isis that once occupied part of the surrounding area.
help Minerveo Obelisk FAQ
Where is the Minerveo Obelisk located?
The Minerveo Obelisk stands in the Piazza della Minerva in Rome, Italy, just a short distance from the Pantheon. It is situated directly in front of the Santa Maria sopra Minerva church.
What is unique about the base of the Minerveo Obelisk?
The small ancient Egyptian granite obelisk is famously supported by the back of a carved marble elephant. The elephant base was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and carved by Ercole Ferrata in the 17th century.
Who commissioned the Minerveo Obelisk's elephant monument?
Pope Alexander VII commissioned the supporting monument in the 1600s to display the newly discovered obelisk. Bernini's design of the elephant was chosen because the animal was viewed as a symbol of strength and wisdom.
What is the Minerveo Obelisk commonly called by locals?
Because of its unique base, Romans commonly refer to the monument as "Il Pulcino della Minerva," which translates to the Minerva Chick. The nickname is a playful reference to the elephant's somewhat stubby proportions.
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