ROME, February 17, 2026 – A tusk has been broken off the marble Elephantino statue at the base of the obelisk in Piazza della Minerva, in the heart of Rome. The alarm was raised yesterday evening following a report to the municipal superintendency.
Police Recover Fragment, Investigate Cause
Local police from the I Trevi Group responded to the scene, recovering the fallen part of Bernini’s sculpture and initiating investigations. Officers will review recordings from local surveillance cameras to ascertain what occurred and determine if the damage was deliberate vandalism or resulted from wear and tear, possibly exacerbated by bad weather.
Culture Minister Condemns “Absurd Act of Barbarism”
Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, condemned the incident, stating, “It is unacceptable that once again the artistic and cultural heritage of the Nation should suffer such serious damage. Just days after the inauguration of the major exhibition on Gian Lorenzo Bernini at the Galleria di Arte Antica in Palazzo Barberini, his Elephantino in Piazza della Minerva has been targeted.”
The Minister added, “The Ministry of Culture, through the Special Superintendency of Rome responsible for the high supervision of artistic assets, will contribute to the Capitoline Superintendency, which oversees the monument, for the restoration of the sculpture: one of the most significant symbols of the Capital, struck by an absurd act of barbarism.”
The Elephantino: A Roman Icon
The Elephant and Obelisk, commonly known as the “Pulcino della Minerva” or “Elephantino,” is a marble sculpture designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and executed by his assistant Ercole Ferrata in 1667. It supports an ancient Egyptian obelisk, believed to have been brought to Rome by Emperor Diocletian. The statue is a beloved landmark in Rome, situated in front of the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
Previous Incidents of Vandalism
This incident is not the first time Roman monuments have been targeted. In recent years, several historical sites have suffered damage from acts of vandalism, prompting calls for increased security and protection of Italy’s invaluable cultural heritage. The recurring nature of such events highlights the ongoing challenges in safeguarding these treasures.
Restoration Efforts Underway
The Special Superintendency of Rome, in collaboration with the Capitoline Superintendency, will oversee the restoration of the damaged tusk. Experts will assess the extent of the damage and determine the best approach for repair, aiming to restore the iconic sculpture to its original condition while preserving its historical integrity.
Community Outcry and Call for Vigilance
The damage to Bernini’s Elephantino has sparked outrage among local residents and cultural enthusiasts, who view the act as an attack on Rome’s identity. Calls for greater public awareness and vigilance have been made to prevent future incidents and protect the city’s rich artistic legacy for generations to come.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The focus remains on identifying those responsible and implementing measures to deter similar acts in the future.
