The Obelisk at the Spanish Stairs

Figure 1 - Obelisk at the Spanish Stairs

The Spanish Stairs, one of the most famous tourist spots in Rome, leads the way up a hill to the Church called Trinita die Monti. At the top of the stairs, and in front of the church, is an ancient Roman copy of the obelisk erected by Ramesses II that now stands in the Piazza del Popolo in Rome. This obelisk is, however, smaller than the original. It was erected in its current spot by Pope Pius VI in 1789.

Figure 2 - The Base of the Obelisk at the Spanish Stairs

It was interesting (to me anyway) to find out that the Romans copied Egyptian obelisks. I guess it was to hard to bring the originals to Rome (although they managed to do a little bit of that too...).

Photos Copyright (c) 2013 by John Freed