Egyptian Obelisks of Ancient Rome
A fascinating and challenging activity that visits all thirteen Egyptian and Roman obelisks. The entire historical city centre is traversed and first entrance to the Vatican Museums included. We tour Rome with a focus on the obelisks, but so much more is discovered and discussed!
This is the original Egyptian Obelisks tour created in 2008 by the owner of Eternal Tours Rome, when he lived between San Giovanni and Celio, close to the Colosseum. The tour per se spans the rich history of ancient Rome and the wider Roman Empire. What we see today is actually the architectural vision of Pope Sixtus V.
Point to point movement across the historical centre of Rome is our modus operandi, just as Pope Sixtus V's town planning initiative intended when he relocated the tallest obelisks in front of basilicas.
These obelisks were christianized with new emblems and inscriptions in the mid-to-late sixteenth century. The eight obelisks imported from Egypt are the oldest monuments in Rome, what can we learn from them?
Every obelisk has a tale to tell and learning about each one is a great way to understand a great deal about the history of Rome. We visit all the classic places in our city, some on the main track, others off the beaten path. Historical squares, secluded gardens and monumental fountains help us interpret the past so we may understand the present.
First entrance to the Vatican Museums is included, as the Gregorian Egyptian Museum can be found therein.
However much we'd love to, we cannot include the Obelisk of Axum. It was damaged by lightning in 2002 and has since been returned to Tigray Region, north Ethiopia. You will, however, stand beneath thirteen ancient Roman and Egyptian obelisks.
Egyptian Obelisks of Ancient Rome is led by a working archaeo-historian guide, who will explain what all the hieroglyphics mean while keeping you refreshed and well hydrated.
This is a private invitation to experience ancient Rome from a decidedly unusual perspective!
Details and schedule will be sent to you in a direct confirmation e-mail from us shortly after you have received your booking confirmation e-mail. Flexible start time, 10am recommended. Let us know your prefered start time post-booking.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a fully charged powerbank for your device.
Archaeo-historian guide
Walking tour of historical Rome
Walking tour of ancient Rome
First entrance Vatican Museums
All cancellation requests must be received by e-mail (send to info@eternaltoursrome.com). If you cancel more than thirty (30) days before travel date, you will be entitled to a full refund. If you cancel less than thirty (30) days before travel date, you will not be entitled to any refund.
Eternal Tours Rome may not be held responsible for Acts of God nor service alterations caused by unforeseen or unannounced closure of all or part of venues. In the event of such closings, no partial refunds apply.