Pyramid of Cestius
Piramide Cestia
A 1st-century BC Roman pyramid tomb about 36 metres tall, built into the Aurelian Walls. It is often visited together with the Non-Catholic Cemetery.
The Pyramid of Cestius was built around 18–12 BC as the tomb of Gaius Cestius, a Roman magistrate. It reflects the Egyptian style that became fashionable in Rome after the conquest of Egypt. Standing about 36 metres tall and clad in white marble, it was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, which helped preserve it intact. It was restored in 2015. The exterior can be viewed at any time, while the burial chamber inside is open only on certain dates through guided tours that must be booked in advance. Next door, the Non-Catholic Cemetery is the final resting place of the poets Keats and Shelley, and its grounds are home to many cats, so it is worth visiting both. Piramide station on Metro Line B is right by the site.
Opening hours
Exterior visible all day; interior open only on reserved guided tours
Nearby sights
- Aventine Keyhole & Orange Garden
- Circus Maximus
- Mouth of Truth
- Baths of Caracalla
- Tiber Island
- Theatre of Marcellus
- Roman Forum / Palatine Hill
- Capitoline Museums