Elephant and Obelisk

A beautiful statue and obelisk. This was one of my favourites in Rome but it doesn't seem to be talked about much online. The elephant is well sculpted and looks real. This is one of many things you can simply walk up to in Rome without the long wait and huge amount of tourists to sift through.

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.

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.

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 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.

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and finished in 1667. The Latin inscription on the pedestal reads: "Let any beholder of the carved images of the wisdom of Egypt on the obelisk carried by the elephant, the strongest of beasts, realize that it takes a robust mind to carry solid wisdom."