DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61894#0015
Ch. I. THROUGH ITALY. 5
that of Monte Cilorio communicates with it.
This square is extremely beautiful. Its principal
ornament is the Curia Innocenziana, a palace
erected by Innocent XII. for the accommoda-
tion of the courts of justice and for the officers
belonging- to them. Its magnitude, materials,
and architecture, are equally admired.
OBELISKS.
Opposite the grand entrance of the Curia,
stands an Egyptian obelisk, remarkable for its
antiquity, its workmanship, and its destination.
It is said to have been erected by Sesostris at
Heliopolis; it is covered where not damaged,
with hieroglyphics executed with uncommon
neatness, and was employed by Augustus as a
gnomon to an immense dial formed by his direc-
tion, in the Campus Martins. After having
been overturned, shattered, and buried in the
ruins, it was discovered repeatedly, and as often
neglected and forgotten; till Benedict XIV.
rescued it from oblivion, and the late Pope,
Pius VI. repaired and placed it in its present
situation. It is the third obelisk which that
pontiff had the satisfaction of re-erecting, to the
great ornament and glory of the city.
These obelisks are peculiar to Rome, and
that of Monte Cilorio communicates with it.
This square is extremely beautiful. Its principal
ornament is the Curia Innocenziana, a palace
erected by Innocent XII. for the accommoda-
tion of the courts of justice and for the officers
belonging- to them. Its magnitude, materials,
and architecture, are equally admired.
OBELISKS.
Opposite the grand entrance of the Curia,
stands an Egyptian obelisk, remarkable for its
antiquity, its workmanship, and its destination.
It is said to have been erected by Sesostris at
Heliopolis; it is covered where not damaged,
with hieroglyphics executed with uncommon
neatness, and was employed by Augustus as a
gnomon to an immense dial formed by his direc-
tion, in the Campus Martins. After having
been overturned, shattered, and buried in the
ruins, it was discovered repeatedly, and as often
neglected and forgotten; till Benedict XIV.
rescued it from oblivion, and the late Pope,
Pius VI. repaired and placed it in its present
situation. It is the third obelisk which that
pontiff had the satisfaction of re-erecting, to the
great ornament and glory of the city.
These obelisks are peculiar to Rome, and