Ciao, curious hearts! 💕Today, I’m taking you on a tiny detour in Rome, one you might miss if you blink, but I promise you won’t forget it once you see it. Tucked just behind the Pantheon and nestled in the peaceful Piazza della Minerva stands one of my favorite hidden treasures in the Eternal City: Bernini’s Elephant and the Obelisk. It’s quirky. It’s wise. It’s historic. And it’s carrying a 6th-century BC Egyptian obelisk on its back. Yes, you read that right.
📍 Where to Find It
The statue stands just outside the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the only Gothic-style church in Rome, located just a minute’s walk from the Pantheon. The square is quiet compared to the bustling crowds nearby, and that’s part of what makes this little marvel so delightful, you turn a corner and boom, there’s a marble elephant balancing an ancient obelisk. Talk about an unexpected moment of joy!
🐘 A Little Elephant, A Big Idea
The sculpture was designed by the one and only Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rome’s Baroque genius, in 1667. But here’s the kicker: Bernini didn’t sculpt the elephant himself, his design was executed by Ercole Ferrata, one of his students. The obelisk on the elephant’s back is real, ancient, and Egyptian, likely brought to Rome in ancient times from the Temple of Isis in Sais. It was rediscovered in the garden of the Dominican convent nearby and, as with many papal commissions, Pope Alexander VII wanted to incorporate it into a public monument.
Bernini’s idea? Create a statue that celebrates the power of wisdom, by having the elephant (a traditional symbol of intelligence and strength) carry the obelisk (symbolizing ancient knowledge). Genius, right?
😄 A Touch of Whimsy, and a Hint of Rebellion?
There’s a delightful cheekiness to this monument. Bernini’s elephant is charming, almost smiling, and full of personality, a far cry from the solemn tone that the Dominican friars had expected. In fact, legend has it that the Dominicans were not amused. They thought the design was too playful for a sacred setting. They wanted something more serious, more stoic. But Pope Alexander VII approved Bernini’s vision, and the elephant stayed.
Here’s the best part: If you walk around to the back of the elephant, its tail appears to be lifted… facing the Dominican monastery. Coincidence? Or Bernini’s sly response to their objections? We’ll never know, but I love imagining that little wink of artistic mischief.
✨ My Experience: Small in Size, Big in Soul
When I saw it in person, I smiled immediately. It’s one of those moments that makes you stop, take a breath, and just feel happy to be exactly where you are. There’s something about its small scale, nestled in this quiet piazza, that feels intimate and magical. While I only managed to snap a few photos, they say a thousand words, and behind them is a story that spans millennia, from pharaohs to popes to Bernini himself.
📝 What to Know Before You Go
- 📍 Location: Piazza della Minerva, 00186 Rome, Italy
- ⛪ Nearby: Pantheon (1 min walk), Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Palazzo Venezia
- 🕰 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for peace and photos
- 🧭 Getting There: Easy walk from the Pantheon or bus routes stopping at Largo di Torre Argentina
- 📷 Photo Tip: A centered front shot with the obelisk framed between buildings is ideal, bonus points if the sun is behind it!
Final Thoughts
Rome has a way of surprising you. One moment you’re marveling at grand basilicas and ancient ruins, and the next, you’re falling in love with a marble elephant carrying the weight of history on its back. Bernini’s Elephant and Obelisk may be small, but it’s rich in symbolism, humor, and charm. It reminds us that wisdom doesn’t have to be heavy, and that strength can come with a smile.
So next time you find yourself near the Pantheon, take a moment to visit this joyful little guardian of ancient knowledge. It’s one of those moments that feels quiet, but stays with you.
xoxo,
Bubbly 💕
