The 29,60 m column was erected in 193 a.C. near the temple dedicated to Marcus Aurelius, to celebrate his victories against the Sarmatian and the Marcomanni.
The cylindrical shaft, with a diameter of 3,80 m at the base and 3,66 m at the top, contains a spiral stair of 203 steps.
In 1585 Pope Sixtus V saw to the restoration of the column, during which the memorial inscription was lost and Marcus Aurelius statue was replaced with Saint Paulus’ by Torriggiani.
