Piazza della Minerva is not too far from the Pantheon and it owes its name to an ancient temple built in honour of Minerva. According to tradition, the church of St. Mary over Minerva was built on top of the ruins of the original temple.

There is a very small and precious monument, which is very characteristic, in front of the church: the Little Elephant, which has an obelisk on its back, created by Bernini.