Pyramid of Cestius

Rome, Italy

The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient pyramid in Rome. Due to its incorporation into the city's fortifications, it is today one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

The pyramid was built about 18–12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a magistrate and member of one of the four great religious corporations in Rome, the Septemviri Epulonum. The sharply pointed shape of the pyramid is strongly reminiscent of the pyramids of Nubia, in particular of the kingdom of Meroë, which had been attacked by Rome in 23 BC. The similarity suggests that Cestius had possibly served in that campaign and perhaps intended the pyramid to serve as a commemoration.

The pyramid is of brick-faced concrete covered with slabs of white marble standing on a travertine foundation. The pyramid measures 29.6 m square at the base and stands 37m high.

In the interior is the burial chamber, a simple barrel-vaulted rectangular cavity. When opened in 1660, the chamber was found to be decorated with frescoes, which were recorded by Pietro Santi Bartoli. Only scant traces of these frescoes survive, and no trace of any other contents. The tomb had been sealed when it was built, with no exterior entrance, but had been plundered at some time thereafter, probably during antiquity. Until the end of restoration works in 2015, it was not possible for visitors to access the interior, except by special permission typically only granted to scholars. Since the beginning of May 2015, the pyramid is open to the public every second and fourth Saturday each month. Visitors must arrange their visit in advance.

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Address

Piazzale Ostiense 11, Rome, Italy
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Details

Founded: 18-12 BC
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Italy

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Matteo T (6 months ago)
It can be visited only 2 times a month and you need to reserve in advance. But you can see the pyramid very well from outside, especially if you visit the adjacent international graveyard (which I recommend anyway!). From the garden you can see pyramid very close. The inside of the building consists of one single room, so you do not miss too much if you can’t book a visit.
Andrew Hollands (6 months ago)
Such a random find, but really cool! I couldn’t find a way into the area behind the pyramid, and I’m unsure if there is any information there, so you can only really see it from the side of the road. Not something you’d spend more than 10 minutes looking at, but cool nonetheless and worth a visit if you’re in the nearby area.
Brad (7 months ago)
This is a Egyptian style pyramid structure located just beside Porta San Paolo. Seems it was built around 18-12 BC by the Romans as a tomb for Gaius Cestius and incorporated into the defensive Aurelian Wall. The pyramid is 37 metres tall and nearly 30 metres in length at the base. It is a very interesting landmark monument that is somewhat strange to see in the city of Rome. Worth the add-on to visits to Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls which is just two stops south of here on Metro Line B.
Rick Rhay (9 months ago)
A couple notes: The best place to see the pyramid is from inside the Protestant Cemetery. They will tell you at the gate to the Protestant Cemetery that you're not allowed to take pictures inside it. Ignore that. They will also "require" that you give them a "donation" to get into the Protestant Cemetery. Do not ignore that. It's €5. Pay it. Back to the pyramid: go to the northeast end of the cemetery, through the portal into the little park area, and the views of the pyramid are much better than from the street. There are dates that they open the pyramid for visitors to go in, but it's only on certain days, and if you're not there that day, then you don't get in. But it's still really cool. So definitely go.
Caïna Verrin (10 months ago)
Cool pyramid with an interesting history, hidden chambers and one that’s been destroyed in parts by treasure hunters. Good views from inside the cemetery that has cool cats and friendly staff. Worth having a little poke about and reading up on the place as the signage is falling apart.
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