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More information on Obelisco Vaticano
In the center of Piazza San Pietro, the Vatican obelisk stands between two enormous fountains and four cast-iron lamp posts. It stands on four bronze lions and was placed in the square by Domenico Fontana for Pope Sixtus V. It was brought to Rome from Alexandria in Egypt in 37 CE by Caligula who used it to decorate Nero's circus. Many legends arose around the enormous monolith. It is said that while it was being raised, in total silence, a certain Bresca (who realized the cords were breaking) prevented it falling by shouting the famous phrase, "Water on the cords". Even more famous is the story that the tip of the obelisk held the ashes of the cremated Julius Caesar in the bronze globe that is now to be seen in the Capitoline museums. Now the tip of the obelisk is crowned, 41 meters up, by a relic of the Holy Cross.
Directions
Ottaviano-S. Pietro
Hours
Mo to Su from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Information by WcitiesThings to do near Obelisco Vaticano
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Four small fountains face the obelisk raised by Pope Sixtus V in the center of the Piazza San Pietro
Distance 0.0 miles away Popularity #325 of 1,163 -
In the center of Piazza San Pietro, the Vatican obelisk stands between two enormous fountains and four cast-iron lamp...
Popularity #176 of 1,163 -
Enclosed by Bernini's magnificent colonnade, this square has the largest number of visitors in the world. Millions of tourists wait here...
Distance 0.0 miles away Popularity #50 of 1,163 Real Travelers who've been here
Jenn1 said
…The VaticanSt. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro)Designed by Bernini. It includes 284 travertine… continue reading »
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The Tiare fountain stands in the corner of the Via di Porta Angelica in Colonnato Square. It was designed by Pietro Lombardi and built in...
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This restaurant belonging to the Silvestri sisters near the Vatican is ideal for a peaceful meal after you have received your blessing fr...
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Bob and Kerrie said
… or on one occasion the boat we were to catch to Amalfi forgot to pick us up! (they had to send another boat… continue reading »
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This is a traditional restaurant popular with Roman politicians where it is possible to eat traditional dishes inspired by Roman cooking....
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…! Dinner was at a Spagheterria called L'Archetto recommended by the Beehive (they give you a free guide… continue reading »
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Hotels near this attraction
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Residenza Paolo VI
0.1 miles away | Avg. price: $193.47 -
Palazzo Cardinali Cesi
0.1 miles away | Avg. price: $198.56 -
Falco L/012
0.2 miles away | Avg. price: $219.86 -
Hotel Bramante
0.2 miles away | Avg. price: $170.21 -
Vittorio a RSH idea.
0.2 miles away
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