Piazza Sisto Riario Sforza

In Cardinal Sisto Square, we're treated to yet another stunning sculpted column, the kind Naples is famous for. This one was commissioned in 1636, a few years after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 1631, as part of the city’s efforts to protect its heritage. It’s actually the oldest obelisk in Naples. Construction dragged on due to numerous disagreements and wasn’t finished until 1660. At its peak stands Saint Januarius, one of Naples’ patron saints. Legend has it that this column replaced an ancient sculpture of a giant horse that was said to have supernatural powers; it was destroyed when Catholicism arrived to wipe out pagan beliefs. You’ll find the head of that very horse in the courtyard of Palazzo Diomede Carafa.