Obelisk - Free Audio Guide

The Obelisco di Boboli is an ancient Egyptian obelisk made of red granite, located in the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy. Standing at 6.34 meters tall, it is the only ancient obelisk in Tuscany. Originally from Heliopolis, it was brought to Rome in the 1st century AD and later moved to Florence in 1788 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine. Historically, the obelisk was commissioned during the reign of Ramses II around 1297-1213 BC and features inscriptions dedicated to the god Atum. It was first erected in Rome at the Temple of Isis and was part of the collection of antiquities at Villa Medici before being transported to Florence. In the Renaissance, Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici acquired the obelisk, which was later relocated to the Boboli Gardens, where it was positioned in an amphitheater-like setting. The obelisk is surrounded by a large gray granite basin, designed in the 1840s, making it a striking element amidst the lush gardens. Visitors to the Boboli Gardens can appreciate not only the obelisk's historical significance but also its artistic and architectural beauty, reflecting the cultural richness of Florence. The gardens themselves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the obelisk a noteworthy stop for those exploring the area.