The Column of the Immaculate Conception commemorates the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. This religious principle, which emphasizes the conception of Mary’s mother, Anne (and is not related to the conception of Jesus), was established by Pope Pius IX in 1854.

On December 8, 1857, the column was placed near the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide and rises to a height of 11.8 meters. Originally Roman, the column is made of Cipollino marble (named for its onion-like appearance) and was discovered in 1777 in the garden of a nearby church.

At the top of the column stands a statue of Mary, with a halo of 12 stars, standing on a globe surrounded by angels and the four symbols of the Evangelists. At the base of the column sit four prophets of Israel: Moses, David, Ezekiel, and Isaiah, who, according to tradition, foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Every year on December 8, two floral wreaths are placed—one on her right arm and one at the base of the statue—and thousands of believers participate in the important ceremony led by the Pope.