The Vatican Obelisk at St Peter’s Square is an ancient monolith located in Vatican City, at the center of one of the most significant architectural spaces in Rome.
The obelisk stands about 25 meters tall, reaching nearly 40 meters when including its base and cross. It might not be the tallest obelisk in Rome, but its location at the center of St Peter’s Square certainly gives it exceptional visual prominence.
A very ambitious relocation project
The Vatican Obelisk at St Peter’s Square was originally carved in Egypt over 3,000 years ago and was eventually transported to Rome in 37 AD. A special ship was constructed specifically to carry the obelisk across the Mediterranean, which was sunk and filled with concrete after the delivery.
In Rome, it was initially placed in the Circus of Nero, which was a long stadium just south of present-day St Peter’s Basilica. Even though the distance was relatively short, the process of relocating the Vatican Obelisk from there to its current location was complicated and ambitious, given its substantial weight and size.
The operation involved hundreds of workers (and dozens of horses), complex systems, and meticulous coordination. The fact that this took place without modern machinery and over the course of a single day is still impressive today!
Sunset over the Vatican Obelisk at St Peter’s Square
While I was walking around and taking photos of the Vatican City and St Peter’s Square, I turned around and decided to make the obelisk the focus of my shot, as the sky was starting to look really dramatic with a strong glow in the background.
I find this photo to be such an iconic scene, especially how the obelisk is towering up towards this dramatic sky and it even looks like it’s touching it. To me, it’s a very strong image.
We were right at the beginning of spring in Rome, and it’s good advice to remember that at this time of year the sun sets perfectly in the west and rises perfectly in the east. Since St Peter’s Square is set east to west, the light lines up perfectly to its symmetrical design. I used the same effect with my photos of the Colosseum.
For a more unusual composition, you can position yourself behind the columns surrounding the square and use them as a frame. There is so much symmetry around the Vatican Obelisk at St Peter’s Square that it’s tempting to walk around and play with it from different angles.
You also don’t have to limit yourself to sunset when taking photos of Rome. Check out this early morning shot of the Pantheon, or this one of the Trevi Fountain in plain day. Just make sure to bring your camera anywhere you go and something good will come of it.
