Pyramid of Cestius

Pyramid of Cestius

The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient pyramid in Rome, Italy, near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery. It stands at the intersection of two ancient roads: the Via Ostiensis and Via della Marmorata. Because the Pyramid of Cestius was incorporated into the city's fortifications, it is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures today.

The Pyramid of Cestius was built around 18–12 BC as the tomb of Gaius Cestius. Constructed with concrete and faced with white marble slabs, it has a tufa stone base. The pyramid measures 29.6 meters on each side at the base and stands 37 meters tall. The inner burial chamber is a simple rectangle, measuring 5.95 meters long, 4.10 meters wide, and 4.80 meters high. The tomb was looted in antiquity, and in 1660 only frescoes were found inside the chamber, which hold significant archaeological value. The tomb had no entrance when it was built. Later research led to the creation of a long tunnel providing access to the interior for visitors. Though not as massive as Egypt’s pyramids, the Pyramid of Cestius is still one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient structures in Rome.

Pyramid of Cestius

Why you should go: One of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures today

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Italy[Italy]

Province/State: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City: Rome [Rome]