Elephant and Obelisk

One of Rome’s most charming and unique monuments. Bernini’s playful elephant carries an ancient Egyptian obelisk proudly in front of the beautiful Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The contrast is striking—an Egyptian obelisk, a baroque elephant, and a Gothic church, all in one little piazza just steps from the Pantheon. The church itself is worth a visit, with its soaring interior, rich artwork, and the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena. A quiet square with history, humor, and deep beauty—very Roman.

Whenever we’re in Rome, we make it a point to visit the charming Piazza della Minerva to see Bernini’s Elephant and Obelisk. This delightful sculpture, completed in 1667, features a small Egyptian obelisk atop a marble elephant. It’s a whimsical sight that never fails to bring a smile to our faces. The obelisk itself dates back to around 580 BC, originally erected by Pharaoh Apries in Egypt. It was brought to Rome during the Roman Empire and rediscovered near the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in 1665. Pope Alexander VII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design a base for the obelisk, resulting in this unique combination.  An interesting anecdote surrounds the direction the elephant faces. It’s said that Bernini had a disagreement with a Dominican priest, Father Paglia, over the statue’s design. In response, Bernini positioned the elephant with its rear facing the Dominican convent, possibly as a subtle jab. While this story adds a layer of intrigue, some historians debate its accuracy.  Each visit to this spot offers a delightful blend of history and humor. It’s a testament to Rome’s rich tapestry of art and stories, making it a must-see for both newcomers and seasoned travelers.

This was our starting point for our patheon tour. It's based in Piazza Della Minerva. The sculpture is by Berni, the elephant supporting an Egyptian obelisk, the sculpture outlines that a strong mind is required to carry divine wisdom. The sculpture is free to visit.

The smallest one towers atop a most unusual base: a carved elephant. Diocletian, the Roman emperor from 284 to 305, brought Egyptian obelisk to Rome. The base was designed by the famous architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The elephant is meant to symbolize wisdom, as in some cultures, the animals are associated with the trait. Bernini also chose an elephant because it’s large enough to support the column’s weight.

The small Berninis elephant with an obelisk on top of it is a very popular attraction in Rome. Is located in Piaza della Minerva. Is something different to see while you are in Rome.

Lots of obelisk in Rome. This is the only one I am aware of that stands on the back of an elephant. Close to the Pantheon.

The statue in front of Piazza della Minerva, Bernini’s famous “Elephant and Obelisk,” is both whimsical and symbolic. The playful elephant carries an ancient Egyptian obelisk, blending humor with history. It’s a delightful and unexpected masterpiece in the heart of Rome.

The Elephant and Obelisk is a famous monument in Piazza della Minerva, located near the Pantheon in Rome. Officially called the “Obelisco e Elefante di Bernini”, this sculpture is one of the most well-known works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and is an iconic example of Baroque art. Key Features of the Elephant and Obelisk 1. Historical Context: • The monument was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII (Chigi) in the 1660s as part of his urban renewal efforts in Rome, intended to beautify the city and celebrate the Chigi family. • It is located in front of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, one of the most important churches in Rome, and is a short distance from the Pantheon. 2. Design and Symbolism: • The Elephant: The statue features a marble elephant carrying an ancient Egyptian obelisk on its back. The elephant is depicted with a calm, almost whimsical expression, which was a unique and unexpected design choice by Bernini. • Symbolism: The elephant is symbolic of strength and endurance, while also evoking the exoticism and grandeur of ancient Egypt. It contrasts the often imposing imagery of classical monuments, offering a touch of lightness and charm. • The Obelisk: The obelisk is an ancient Egyptian monument that was originally erected in Heliopolis by the Pharaoh Seti I (13th century BC). It was brought to Rome by Pope Sixtus V in 1587 as part of a project to place obelisks in key locations throughout the city. • Symbolism: The obelisk, like others in Rome, serves as a symbol of the Pope’s power, linking Rome with its ancient Egyptian heritage and representing eternal stability. 3. Artistic Details: • The elephant is carefully sculpted from marble and shows the delicate work of Bernini, with its careful attention to anatomy and expression. • The obelisk stands about 3 meters (10 feet) tall and is positioned at an angle, appearing to be precariously balanced on the elephant’s back. • The monument is known for its playful yet regal style, combining humor and gravity, which is a hallmark of Bernini’s genius in blending the serious with the lighthearted. 4. Fun Fact: • There is a popular legend associated with the monument that the elephant’s placement was meant to remind the church of the “burden of power”. The elephant is often seen as a metaphor for the weight of papal authority, carrying it gracefully yet humbly. 5. Modern-Day Significance: • The Elephant and Obelisk remains one of the most beloved and quirky monuments in Rome, admired by both locals and visitors for its charm and uniqueness. • It stands as a testament to Bernini’s ability to transform classical symbolism into something whimsical and thought-provoking. In Summary: The Elephant and Obelisk is a unique, playful, and visually striking monument created by Bernini, offering a fascinating contrast to the grandeur of many other Roman monuments. With its combination of a majestic elephant and a towering obelisk, it has become one of the iconic symbols of Rome’s Baroque period.