DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Obelisk of Caligula

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
—°10
Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)

Weather…

The Vatican Obelisk, also known as the Obelisk of Caligula, is a monumental Egyptian monolith of red granite that marks the center of St. Peter's Square. Originally erected in Heliopolis for an unknown pharaoh, it was brought to Rome in 37 AD by Emperor Caligula to adorn the spina of the Circus of Nero. Unlike most other obelisks in Rome, it remained standing throughout the Middle Ages at its original site near the Old St. Peter's Basilica. In 1586, Pope Sixtus V commissioned the architect Domenico Fontana to relocate the obelisk to its present position, a massive engineering feat involving 800 workers and 75 horses. The obelisk is unique among Rome's major obelisks for having no hieroglyphics and is topped by a bronze cross containing a relic of the True Cross. Today, it functions as a monumental sundial, with its shadow crossing zodiac signs embedded in the square's pavement.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Obelisk of Caligula stands centrally in St. Peter's Square and is freely accessible. It is an ancient Egyptian obelisk originally brought for the Circus of Caligula.
🕒
Typical hours
The obelisk is accessible 24/7 as St. Peter's Square is always open. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening when crowds are thinner.
📷
Photography
Photography of the obelisk is allowed at any time and features great subjects against the backdrop of St. Peter's Basilica. Take the chance for creative shots with Bernini's colonnade in the background.
⏱️
Time needed
Viewing the obelisk itself takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. Allow extra time to enjoy the entire square and surrounding architecture.
➕
Combine with
The obelisk is on St. Peter's Square, so combine it with the basilica and dome climb. The Vatican Museums are just a few minutes away.
🧭
Getting there
St. Peter's Square is centrally located and easily reachable on foot from Ottaviano metro station or Castel Sant'Angelo. The obelisk stands in the middle of the square, clearly visible.
💡
Insider tip
Arrive in the early morning when the light enhances the obelisk and colonnade beautifully. Avoid midday when the sun is directly overhead and casts harsh shadows.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90200, 12.45600

Facts

  • The height of the obelisk without its base is 25.5 meters.
  • Its total weight is estimated at approximately 326 tons.
  • Caligula transported it on a massive, specially built ship.
  • The relocation in 1586 took several months to complete.
  • It bears Latin dedications to Emperors Augustus and Tiberius.
  • Four bronze lions from 1586 support the base of the obelisk.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Caritas Internationalis (Headquarters)Caritas Internationalis (Headquarters)<1 km · NExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
ColosseumColosseum3 km · SEExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Obelisk of Caligula (10)

Portone di Bronzo

The bronze door of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Arch of the Bells

A gate in Vatican City leading to the bell tower.

Il Cuore di Nerone

An attraction in Rome associated with Emperor Nero.

Vatican Obelisk

An obelisk in Rome, originally erected in Egypt.

♿

Saint Peter's Square

A piazza in Vatican City, surrounded by colonnades.

Pauline Chapel

A chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

A church in Rome, dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother.

Terrazza Augustinians

A terrace in Rome with a view over the city.

Oratorio di San Pietro in Borgo

A church building in Borgo, Italy.

Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

A church in Rome, dedicated to Saints Martin and Sebastian.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Vatican Obelisk come from?
It comes from Heliopolis, Egypt, and was brought to Rome by Caligula.
Who placed it in St. Peter's Square?
Domenico Fontana, commissioned by Pope Sixtus V, in 1586.
Does the obelisk have hieroglyphs?
No, it is one of the few obelisks in Rome without inscriptions.
What is at the top of the obelisk?
A bronze cross said to contain a relic of the True Cross.
What else does the obelisk serve as in the square?
It functions as a gnomon (indicator) for a giant sundial.
Obelisk of Caligula: where is it located?
Obelisk of Caligula is located in Vatican.
Obelisk of Caligula: what is there to see?
Highlights include Portone di Bronzo, Arch of the Bells, Il Cuore di Nerone.
Obelisk of Caligula: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Obelisk of Caligula: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Obelisk, also known as the Obelisk of Caligula, is a monumental Egyptian monolith of red granite that marks the center of St.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Vatican →

History & landmarks

St. Peter&#39;s Square — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Vatican Fire Station — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.
Postal Service Square — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Oven Square — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Typography Street — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Saint Anne&#39;s Gate — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Saint Anne's Gate
One of the primary entrances to Vatican City, used mainly by employees and residents for daily access to the state.
Bunker Access — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.

More places

Palace of St. Pius X — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Palace of St. Pius X
A modern administrative building on Via della Conciliazione.
Bronze Door — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Bronze Door
The primary ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace, constantly guarded by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
Domus Sanctae Marthae — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Domus Sanctae Marthae
A guesthouse for clergy and the current residence of Pope Francis.
Palace of the Holy Office — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Palace of the Holy Office
Seat of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, located right on the Vatican border.
Archpriest&#39;s Palace — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Archpriest's Palace
This building serves as the official residence of the Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica.
Storage Annex — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
San Damaso Courtyard — Obelisk of Caligula (Vatican)
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.