Pulcin della MinervaSolid Wisdom With A Robust Mind
Piazza della Minerva
Rome, Rome
00186
Neighborhood: Centro Storico
Nearest Train: Spagna
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Audio Guide The Egyptian obelisk known as Pulcin della Minerva stands in the center of Piazza della Minerva in front of the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The name Pulcin della Minerva (Minerva's Chick) was given because of the obelisk's small size. Its position in front of a church important artistically and historically and behind the famous Pantheon, as well as the fact that it stands on an unusual marble base in the form of an elephant, has made the monument well known. What is not widely known is that the elephant, carved by Ercole Ferrata in 1667, was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (although subsequent modifications made the sculpture rather more bulky.) The choice of an elephant was made to symbolise the epigraph on the monument, which says that only a strong mind can support wisdom (as symbolised by the obelisk.)NYC Best Hotel Deals: 50% Savings In New York! Experience New York At It's Finest!JustClickLocal.comAlaska – it’s HOT! Get a FREE Official Alaska Travel Guide today.TravelAlaska.comFour Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: Stay two nights, and receive the 3rd night FREE! www.SantaBarbaraCa.com/Partners