Roman Emperor Aurelian (reign 270 to 275 AD) was so impressed with the Flaminio obelisk created for Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II during the 13th century BC, he ordered a replica. It was originally placed in the Gardens of Sallust. In 1789, the Sallustiano Obelisk was moved to the top of the Spanish Steps in Piazza Trinità dei Monti. You might strain your neck while admiring the hieroglyphs. As a footnote, these carvings were created in Rome and not Egypt. The red granite obelisk is 45.6 feet tall yet reaches a height of 100 feet including the pedestal. Locals call this Trinità dei Monti Obelisk because it stands in front of a late 16th century church of the same name.
