My wife and I love to visit Rome!\u00a0 While walking to the Pantheon from the Forum, we passed a curious and playful sculpture of an elephant and above it, an obelisk.\u00a0 These were in a square very near the Pantheon, just outside a church.<\/p>\n

After our visit, we did a little research and discovered this sculpture, named\u00a0Elephant and Obelisk<\/b><\/i>. was designed by the great artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, arguably the greatest sculpture since Michelangelo.\u00a0 The elephant was probably executed by Bernini’s assistant, but it’s clear Bernini had a hand in its design.\u00a0 The Egyptian obelisk was uncovered during nearby excavations — the ancient Romans were fond of bring obelisks back from Egypt.\u00a0 The completed composite work of art was unveiled in 1667 in the plaza where it still stands, just outside the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.<\/p>\n

So when in Rome, be sure you visit the Pantheon.\u00a0 And wander down one of the side streets to find this fun sculpture.\u00a0 While there, pop into the church.\u00a0 On the right side of the altar you’ll find a rare sculpture by Michelangelo himself, Christ the Redeemer<\/em> <\/strong>(see photos below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t