The Vatican Obelisk

This obelisk dominates the Plaza de San Pedro. It was placed under the command of Pope Sixtus V in the sixteenth century. It is a block, without inscriptions, from Egypt, the same place where St. Peter was crucified, that is why it is called "silent witness". An interesting anecdote: when placing the obelisk in the square, the Pope ordered the audience to be silent on pain of death. But, as the ropes were tied incorrectly, a man shouted out, stopping it from collapsing. The Pope, as a reward for the courage of "charlatan" forgave him and even rewarded him.