The Wellington Monument, also called the Wellington Testimonial, rises at the southeast end of Phoenix Park in Dublin. Sir Robert Smirke designed it to commemorate the victories of Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. The foundation stone was laid in 1817, and the obelisk was set in place in 1822.
The granite obelisk is 203 feet (62 meters) tall and is described as the largest obelisk in Europe. It was first planned for Merrion Square but moved after residents objected. A pedestal was built at the base for an equestrian statue of Wellington. The statue was never made, so the pedestal was removed.
Four bronze plaques were cast from cannons captured at Waterloo. Three show scenes from Wellington's career, by John Hogan, Thomas Farrell and Joseph Robinson Kirk. The fourth bears an inscription. The monument opened to the public on June 18, 1861.
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