The Raising of the 'Vatican' Obelisk

Map

The 'Vatican' Obelisk

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On September 10th 1586, an ancient Egyptian granite obelisk was erected in Piazza San Pietro (St Peter's Square). It was the first time in more than a thousand years that an obelisk had been erected in Rome. 

The 'Vatican' Obelisk originally stood on the south side of St Peter's Basilica. It was moved the short distance to the piazza, at the behest of Pope Sixtus V (r. 1585-90). 

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