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The Egyptian pyramids have inspired people for thousands of years. The Great Pyramid of Giza was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (a sort of Ancient Greek tourist itinerary). They inspired the Nubians in Sudan to build many (relatively unknown pyramids) upstream on the Nile. The Great Sphinx of Egypt with its tunnels and secrets was a Roman tourist attraction - they even built a viewing platform for it.
In Rome, the Ancient Romans built the pyramid of Cestius in the Eternal City, and people can still see it today. It is located close to Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery. There are so many stunning Roman ruins to be seen in Rome today, and some of them are rather surprising. One of the more bizarre attractions in Rome is the Mouth of Truth (said to bite off the hands of liars).
The Pyramid Of Cestisus: The Roman Egyptian Pyramid In Rome
The Pyramid of Cestius rises abruptly and has a pointy top. This may have been because the Romans who built it were able to use different building materials than the Ancient Egyptians (e.g., concrete and marble), and secondly, ancient paints portrayed the Egyptian pyramids to be steeper than they really were.
- Built: Circa 15-12 BC
- Purpose: Tomb For Gaius Cestius
The Pyramid of Cestius (called in Italian Piramide di Caio Cestio or Piramide Cestia) and was the tomb of one Gaius Cestius.
The Pyramid Of Cestius History
It was built circa 15-12 BC. Only a few years before, in 31 BC, Egypt had been incorporated into the Roman Republic (soon Roman Empire) by Augustus after defeating Cleopatra and Mark Antony. A number of Egyptian-inspired architecture were built in Rome. Even today, there are 13 obelisks in Rome (some copies and others transported to Rome).
Oddly enough, the Pyramid of Cestius was later on incorporated into Rome's fortifications, and that helped it to be one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Rome today. It was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls (between 271 and 275 AD).
Size & Burial Chamber Of The Roman Pyramid Of Cestius
The Pyramid of Cestius may not be nearly as big as those in Egypt, but it is still massive when seen up close.
- Pyramid of Cestius Height: 36.5 meters or 120 feet
The pyramid has an internal burial chamber that measures 6 meters long by 4 meters wide by 4.8 meters high. The chamber was opened in 1660, and it was discovered to be decorated with frescoes (although only limited traces of them survive today). The chamber did not have an entrance and was sealed as it was built.
In ancient Rome, tombs were forbidden inside the city, and so the pyramid would have been located outside the city in the countryside. But Rome grew and by the 3rd century, it had been swallowed by the expanding city.
The pyramid bears the inscription:
G · CESTIVS · L · F · POB · EPVLO · PR · TR · PL
VII · VIR · EPVLONVM
Gaius Cestius, son of Lucius, of the Pobilia [voting tribe], member of the College of Epulones, praetor, tribune of the plebs, septemvir of the Epulones
Caius Cestius was a praetor, a tribune of the plebs, and a member of Septemviri Epulones. While he may not be as famous as Emperor Augustus, he was one of the important men of his time.
Thanks to another inscription, it is also known that it was built in 330 days. It was also one of the two tombs shaped like pyramids in ancient Rome. A larger pyramid in Rome was the Pyramid of Romulus, but over the years, that pyramid was demolished and quarried for its stone for the St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.
What To Know About Visiting The Pyramid Of Cestius In Rome Today
These days, the pyramid is open to the public on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Visitors need to arrange their visit in advance to go into the pyramid. The Pyramid of Cestius tickets cost around €7.50.
Alternatively, anyone can admire the Pyramid of Cestius from the outside. Visitors can get to the pyramid by the metro Line B, "Piramide" station. It is not far from some of the most famous Roman ruins of Rome. It is within walking distance from the Colosseum and the ancient Forum of Rome. It is best to place it on a walking itinerary route while exploring Rome.
- Pyramid of Cestius Entry Fee: Approx: €7.50 or $8.50
- Pyramid of Cestius Hours: Third & Fourth Saturdays & Sundays Monthly
Take the time to admire the magnificent gate, Porta San Paolo, there too. The Porta San Paolo is one of the southern gates of the 3rd Century and was part of the Aurelian Walls. It is one of the more eye-catching gates of Rome and has two cylindrical towers.