Piramide Cestia (Pyramid of Cestius), Rome

Piramide Cestia (Pyramid of Cestius), Rome

The pyramidal tomb of Caius Cestius stands as a striking landmark in Rome's Testaccio district. Constructed in white marble, it is a testament to the wealth and grandeur of Cestius, a prominent praetor of ancient Rome who passed away in 12 BC. Once part of the Aurelian Walls, the tomb now resides within the Cimitero Acattolico, adding to its unique character.

Standing at an impressive height of 36 meters (118 feet), the pyramid is adorned with an inscription indicating that it took 330 days to complete its construction. Cestius' tomb showcases his fondness for Egyptian influences, reflecting his travels to Egypt and his desire to display his cosmopolitan experiences within the growing Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, the admiration for Egyptian monuments and the desire to possess a pyramid was a symbol of status and prestige. Cestius' will, however, exemplified his generosity and compassion by decreeing the freedom of his slaves, who likely contributed to the construction of this remarkable monument.

Even today, the pyramid stands as one of the best-preserved structures from ancient Rome, serving as a somewhat unconventional landmark. While the original frescoes that once adorned its walls have suffered damage from water seepage over time, the pyramid's enduring presence continues to captivate.

Recently, the pyramid underwent a noteworthy restoration project, made possible by a generous €1 million donation from Yuzo Yagi, a renowned Japanese fashion tycoon.

Contrary to claims of temporary closure, the pyramid remains open for exploration. Visitors will find a sign with a telephone number at the entrance gate, and guided visits, available on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, require advance reservation.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Piramide Cestia (Pyramid of Cestius) on Map

Sight Name: Piramide Cestia (Pyramid of Cestius)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trastevere Walking Tour

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

An established tourist mecca, today's Rome is hardly imaginable without two of its much loved attractions – the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Magnets for tourists as they are, these two sights are connected to a number of other, not less worthy of attention locations, such as the Fountain of the Longboat or Piazza Colonna and its centerpiece, the Column of Marcus Aurelius, to...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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