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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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

Petar Zlatkov (2 months ago)
I visited it and didn't expect to be how it is. I was already 10 days in Rome and saw almost everything. So i decided for my last dey to rake a walk in the Testaccio neighborhood and didn't believe what i was going to miss in the city i thought I've seen everything. It was beautiful, quiet neighborhood, and the best part was the pyramid something you wouldn't expect in Rome.
Camilo A. Posada (3 months ago)
The Pyramid of Cestius is one of Rome’s most intriguing landmarks, blending ancient Roman innovation with Egyptian inspiration. Built around 12 BCE, this 36-meter-high marble-clad pyramid was the tomb of Gaius Cestius, a Roman magistrate who likely sought to showcase his wealth and fascination with Egyptian culture, which had become fashionable after Rome’s conquest of Egypt. Its steep design, resembling Nubian pyramids rather than the more familiar structures at Giza, reflects the eclectic tastes of Roman elites during the early imperial period. The pyramid is remarkably well-preserved, a testament to Roman engineering and the material durability of its Carrara marble cladding. Its surface bears inscriptions detailing its purpose as Cestius’s tomb and noting that construction was completed within 330 days—a reflection of Roman efficiency and architectural expertise. The decision to incorporate such a foreign style into the heart of Rome exemplifies how the city embraced cultural elements from across its empire, blending them into its own monumental traditions. Later, during the 3rd century CE, the Pyramid of Cestius was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, adding a defensive function to its commemorative purpose. This integration not only preserved the monument but also highlights the pragmatic adaptability of Roman urban planning. Its proximity to the Protestant Cemetery—where notable figures like poet John Keats are buried—adds another layer of historical resonance to the site, connecting ancient and more modern narratives.
Matúš Komarňanský (3 months ago)
The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is an ancient Roman structure located in Rome, Italy. It was built between 18 and 12 BCE as a tomb for Caius Cestius, a magistrate and member of the religious corporation known as the Epulones. The pyramid is notable for blending Egyptian and Roman architectural styles, reflecting the popularity of Egyptian culture in Rome following the conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE. Key Features: 1. Shape and Dimensions: • The pyramid is 36.4 meters (approximately 120 feet) high and has a square base measuring about 29.5 meters (97 feet) on each side. • It is constructed of brick-faced concrete covered with white Carrara marble. 2. Location: • It is situated near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery in Rome. • It stands out because of its strikingly Egyptian appearance in the otherwise Roman cityscape. 3. Interior: • Inside the pyramid is a small burial chamber, measuring about 6 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 4.8 meters high. • The walls of the chamber were originally decorated with frescoes, though much of this has faded over time. 4. Inscription: • An inscription on the pyramid details its purpose and dedication to Caius Cestius. It also notes that the structure was built in just 330 days, as per Roman laws governing tomb construction. 5. Historical Context: • The pyramid was likely inspired by the pyramids of Nubia, which were more steeply inclined than the Great Pyramids of Giza. • It serves as a fascinating example of Rome’s adoption and adaptation of foreign cultural elements. 6. Modern Conservation: • The pyramid underwent restoration in recent years and is now well-preserved. It is open for occasional guided tours. The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is a unique monument that reflects the eclecticism of Roman culture and remains an intriguing sight for history enthusiasts visiting Rome.
shay yakobi (3 months ago)
The Pyramid of Caius Cestius, located near Rome's Non-Catholic Cemetery and Porta San Paolo, is a striking 36-meter-high marble-clad tomb built between 18 and 12 BC. It was constructed for Caius Cestius, a Roman magistrate and member of the religious college of the Epulones, reflecting the Egyptian style that became fashionable in Rome after Egypt's conquest. Inscriptions on its façade state it was completed in just 330 days as per Cestius' will. The pyramid originally housed frescoed interiors, though much of this decoration is now lost. It was later integrated into the Aurelian Walls in the 3rd century as part of Rome's defenses. Visits inside are limited to specific weekends each month and require advance booking, but its exterior can be admired from the cemetery or nearby streets. While not a must-see, it is an intriguing monument if you're exploring the area.
Faith Christiansen (4 months ago)
It's really cool to see and surrounded by a beautiful garden. I loved reading the signs about the pyramid monument. It's definitely worth a visit. I loved visiting at sunset to get beautiful photos. The area is easy to navigate too with public transport, and one bus I took from there by accident led me past all the main sights of Rome l. It was awesome.
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