Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Check out this quirky sculpture in the Piazza della Minerva. It’s known as the “Pulcino della Minerva,” that is “Minerva’s Chick.” It shows a little elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk on its back, and it stands right in front of the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The inscription in Latin reads : “It takes a robust mind to carry solid wisdom.” As for the church, don’t be fooled by its pretty plain exterior; the inside is a feast for the eyes, richly decorated in a Gothic style! It was built in the 8th century, on the site of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. It’s one of the few Roman churches built in a predominantly Gothic style, so it’s definitely worth a visit.