Augustus used this obelisk as a gnomon, that is the style of a gigantic sundial constructed in the Campus Martius. It was supposed to project its shadow onto a marble-paved square, indicating the hours, seasons, signs of the zodiac and years, which were marked out in bronze. This sundial was not only a technological wonder: it had been constructed in relation to the Ara Pacis, which originally stood near the church of San Lorenzo in Lucina, and was regulated so as to direct its shadow towards the altar on the Emperor's birthday. The obelisk was erected where it is today in 1794 as per the wishes of Pope Pius VI, who had it restored, filling in the missing parts with granite from the Column of Antoninus Pius, which was thus destroyed. On the square is the characteristic Caffè di Montecitorio, whose clients include the deputies of the Italian Republic. On the nearby Piazza di Pietra is, instead, the famous Caffettiera, a renowned Neapolitan café. We recommend that you now take the via del Corso and conclude this itinerary by reaching Piazza del Popolo. In the splendid setting of the square, stands the 23.9-metre-high obelisk dating from the 14th century B.C.
It was the first obelisk to be transferred to Rome in the time of Augustus, to celebrate the victory over Egypt, and it was originally set up in the Circus Maximus. Its present position, at the crossroads of the three streets that make up the so-called trident (via del Corso,Via di Ripetta and Via del Babuino), dates from 1589 and is due to the untiring work of the town-planner pope Sixtus V and his architect Domenico Fontana.
The architect and the pope moved
three obelisks into the areas of three Roman
basilicas: St. Peter's, Santa Maria Maggiore and
St. John Lateran.
In the past the obelisk of
Piazza del Popolo served as a source of
fun for the Romans who, after blindfolding a
playmate, would force him to walk from the obelisk
as far as Via del Corso. It would be very
difficult for the hapless victim to succeed,
because he would be blocked by the obstacles he
found along his way.
For eating, go to Via di Ripetta ,where you ill
find the restaurant Buca di Ripetta (06 3219391)
and the pizzeria Pizza Re (06 3211468), specialised
in Neapolitan pizza. On the other hand, for just a
quick snack, there is Pane e Formaggio.
