A Baroque sculpture of an elephant supporting an obelisk, created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, fell victim to vandalism in Piazza della Minerva in Rome. Unknown perpetrators broke off the left tusk of the marble animal, which was found on the ground at the base of the monument. Police officers secured the fragment and are analyzing surveillance footage to identify those responsible for this act of aggression against the cultural heritage of the Eternal City.

Damage to Bernini's Sculpture

Unknown perpetrators broke off the left tusk of the marble elephant in Piazza della Minerva in Rome.

Fragment Secured

The sculpture fragment fell to the ground and was secured by police for conservation work.

Investigation Ongoing

Local police are analyzing surveillance footage to apprehend those responsible for this act of vandalism.

Recurring Vandalism

The same site fell victim to a similar attack in November 2016, raising questions about monument protection.

On the night of February 16-17, a shocking incident occurred in historic central Rome. Unknown perpetrators damaged one of the most recognizable sculptures of the Baroque era – an elephant supporting an obelisk in Piazza della Minerva. The alarm was raised after a report to the city's heritage supervision, and officers from the local police Trevi unit arrived immediately at the scene. The fragment of the left tusk found on the cobblestones was secured by technicians, raising hopes for a quick and effective restoration of the work. Investigators are currently focusing on analyzing recordings from surveillance cameras placed around the square to establish the identity of the vandals. The elephant sculpture with an obelisk, known as the "Pulcino della Minerva," was completed in 1667. Bernini designed it on the commission of Pope Alexander VII to decorate the square in front of the Santa Maria sopra Minerva church. This is not the first time this particular monument has been targeted. A similar incident occurred in November 2016, when the left tusk of the sculpture was also broken off. At that time, the perpetrators left the damaged element on the ground, suggesting a recurring pattern of hooliganism in this part of the city. Roman authorities and heritage conservators express deep concern over repeated acts of vandalism that strike at priceless objects under the supervision of the city's sovrintendenza. Specialists announce that the restoration process will begin immediately after the necessary conservation assessments are completed. 2016 — the year when identical damage to the sculpture previously occurred The Italian public and media, such as Rai News and Il Giornale, emphasize the need for increased protection of Roman monuments. The Baroque sculpture, a symbol of intelligence and piety, has become an involuntary witness to security problems in the tourist hotspots of the Italian capital. This situation has sparked a discussion about the necessity of better securing squares that have so far remained open and accessible to the general public around the clock. Incident and Police Actions Timeline: — ; — ; —

Mentioned People

  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini — Prominent Italian Baroque sculptor and architect, designer of the elephant sculpture in Piazza della Minerva.