Montecitorio Obelisk - Free Audio Guide

The Obelisco di Montecitorio is an ancient Egyptian obelisk situated in Piazza Montecitorio, Rome. Originally placed in Heliopolis during the reign of Pharaoh Psammetichus II, it was transported to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC. Standing at 30 metres tall, it served as a gnomon for the Solarium Augusti, a sundial in the Campus Martius. The obelisk represents Roman engineering brilliance and the cultural interchange between Egypt and Rome. Visitors can appreciate its magnificence and explore its history, including its restoration by Pope Pius VI in the late 18th century. The site is open year-round and free to visit.