The Obelisk of Montecitorio, also known as Solare, is an ancient Egyptian, red granite obelisk of Psammetichus II from Heliopolis. Brought to Rome with the Flaminio Obelisk in 10 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus to be used as the gnomon of the Solarium Augusti, it is now in the Piazza Montecitorio. It is 21.79m high, and 33.97m including the base and the globe.HistoryFirst constructionAugustus erected it as the gnomon of the Solarium Augusti, his giant sundial (or horologium) in the Campus Martius. The meridian, worked out by the mathematician Facondius Novus, was placed in the center of a surface measuring 160by, constructed from slabs of travertine, on which a quadrant was marked out with bronze letters, with indications of the hours, months, seasons and signs of the zodiac. Besides its function as a solar clock, the obelisk was oriented in such manner so as to cast its shadow on the nearby Ara Pacis on 23 September, Augustus's birthday, which coincided with the autumnal equinox.PutObelisco di Montecitorio into our Rome trip planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
Tours To Obelisco di Montecitorio
Obelisco di Montecitorio Reviews
Poor Egypt really had there obelisks raided, if not literally, then the designs were replicated. This is another nice obelisk in a small plaza in front of the government building where the... more »
In the center of the Piazza di Monte Citorio stand the obelisk from Heliopolis, rich in hieroglyphs , brought to Rome in 10 BC by Emperor Augustus. It was placed in Campo Marzio. In the ninth... more »
Quite busy the day we visited. Nice place also surrounded by interesting things to see so worth a visit. Maybe get there early
Fun place to take pictures and have a rest. Not far at all from the Trevi Fountain. Great little square.
Plan your trip to Rome
Get a personalized planA complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize itRefine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book itChoose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage itEverything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Rome
See all ›
See all ›
Hidden gems in Rome
See all ›
Nearby attractions in Rome
Plans to Obelisco di Montecitorio by other users
12 days in Rome BY A USER FROM THAILAND June, popular sights Preferences: June Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 25 days in Italy BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 35 days in Italy BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 17 days in Rome BY A USER FROM GREECE June, popular sights Preferences: June Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 30 days in South Pacific, Asia, Europe & Mexico BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA June, popular sights Preferences: June Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 6 days in Rome & Vatican City BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES May, teens, popular sights Preferences: May, teens Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium