Flaminio Obelisk Monument

Address: Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome, Italy

The Flaminio Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian red granite obelisk prominently set in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo. It is one of Rome’s oldest obelisks and stands at roughly 24 metres in height before its base and pedestal.

The obelisk originated in Heliopolis in ancient Egypt and was brought to Rome in antiquity, where it was erected on the Flaminian Way. It was re-erected in Piazza del Popolo in 1589 under Pope Sixtus V by the engineer Domenico Fontana as part of the Renaissance‑era reinstallation of ancient obelisks.

The Flaminio Obelisk is a visible urban landmark in central Rome, surrounded by the open space of the piazza and close to the Pincian Hill and the northern gate of the historical city.

Located in Piazza del Popolo, it sits at the northern end of the historic axis of the city and is easily reached on foot from nearby central Rome attractions.

• Best viewing point: Best viewed from the Pincian terrace or from street level in Piazza del Popolo where its inscribed surfaces and proportions are most apparent.

Piazza del Popolo is at the northern end of Rome’s Centro Storico. From the Flaminio metro station (Line A), it is a short walk across the piazza. The Pincio and Villa Borghese terraces connect directly to the square for those approaching on foot from other central sites.

• Arrive early in the morning to see the obelisk with fewer tourists in Piazza del Popolo.
• Pair a visit with a walk through the Pincio Terrace and the gardens overlooking the piazza for a fuller architectural context.