Climb the Spanish Steps to reach the Obelisk Sallustiano. It is located in front of the church of the Santissima Trinità dei Monti at the top of the famous staircase of Piazza di Spagna. The Obelisk Sallustiano, which dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century A.D, was decorated with hieroglyphics after originally being bare. The decoration copies the ancient inscription on the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo, but the execution was pretty inaccurate. Some signs were even carved backwards. The practice of copying famous works was not unusual, even in Egypt. Initially, it was erected in the Horti Sallustiani. Upon the death of the owners, the obelisk and the Horti were acquired by Emperor Tiberius. Over the next few hundred years it stood in Rome but eventually fell and broke into three pieces. Due to its size, the challenge was how to restore it and where to place it once restored. Pope Sixtus V, Pope Alexander VI, and Pope Clement XII all tried to have it raised. Even the French wanted to place it in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Eventually, Pope Pius VI restored it and placed at the top of the staircase of Trinità dei Monti. Finally raised, Sallustian Obelisk was crowned with symbols of the Pope and a cross containing a fragment of the Holy Cross, the relics of Saint Joseph, Saint Francis of Paola, Pius V, and the apostles Peter and Paul. Definitely worth climbing the Spanish Steps to enjoy the beautiful views at sunrise or sunset and learn a bit of history along the way. read more

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