- Tourist Information
- Map
- Why is the Pyramid of Cestius famous?
- What is the history of the Pyramid of Cestius?
- Who was Cestius and why did he build this pyramid?
- What is the purpose of the pyramid and what was inside it?
- What is the size and architecture of the pyramid?
- What materials were used to build this structure?
- What inscriptions are found on the pyramid?
Tourist Information
| Year | 12 BC |
| Type | Ancient monument |
| Getting there | Bus: 23 Train: FL1, FL5 Metro: BBus Line, Metro Station: Piramide |
| When to visit | You can visit only the outside area. Occasionally the interior is open to viewing with special permission (usually through a tour company or historic society). Since the beginning of May 2015, the pyramid is open to the public every second and fourth Saturday of each month. Visitors must arrange their visit in advance. |
| Location | Via Raffaele Persichetti, 00153 Rome RM, Italy, Europe |
Map
Why is the Pyramid of Cestius famous?
The Pyramid of Cestius was built between 18 and 12 BC during the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus and has a history dating back almost 2,000 years. It has survived many historical changes and disasters, making it an important relic of the history of ancient Rome.
The pyramid of Cestius was buried under layers of earth and debris during the development of ancient Rome, and this helped to preserve it. However, in the 19th century, it was excavated and restored, which drew attention to this fascinating structure.
The Pyramid of Cestius is the only pyramid from ancient Rome that has survived to this day.
The Pyramid of Cestius was built between 18 and 12 BC during the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus.
The pyramid was built during a time when Rome was oriented towards Egyptian culture. The Circus Maximus was adorned by Augustus with an Egyptian obelisk, and pyramids were built in various places throughout the Roman Empire.
The pyramid gave its name to the subway station, Piramide.
What is the history of the Pyramid of Cestius?
The Pyramid of Cestius is a funerary structure from ancient Rome, built in the 1st century BC for Gaius Cestius Epulo, a Roman magistrate. It is a pyramid-shaped funerary monument.
The Pyramid of Cestius (Piramide di Caio Cestio, Piramide Cestia) is located near the Protestant Cemetery of Rome and the Porta San Paolo.
Who was Cestius and why did he build this pyramid?
Gaius Cestius Epulo was a Roman magistrate and member of the religious collegium of the Epuloni. He built the pyramid as a tomb for himself, as a memorial.
What is the purpose of the pyramid and what was inside it?
The purpose of the pyramid was to serve as a tomb for Gaius Cestius Epulo. The interior of the pyramid contains a burial chamber, where he is believed to have been buried.
The fact that the pyramid was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius Epulo, but was not in use for long, adds an element of mystery and intrigue. The question of why it was built and what was inside has piqued the curiosity of historians and tourists over the years.
What is the size and architecture of the pyramid?
The Pyramid of Cestius is about 36 meters high and has a design typical of Egyptian pyramids. It is built of concrete and covered with white marble.
What materials were used to build this structure?
The materials used to build the pyramid included concrete, volcanic tuff blocks, and white marble. Its construction is a combination of Roman and Egyptian styles.
What inscriptions are found on the pyramid?
An inscription is carved on the east and west sides of the pyramid so that it can be seen from both sides.
C · CESTIVS · L · F · POB · EPVLO · PR · TR · PL
VII · VIR · EPVLONVM
Gaius Cestius, son of Lucius, of the Pobilia tapestries, member of the College of the Epuloni, praetor, tribune of the plebeians, septemvir of the Epuloni.
Below the inscription on the east-facing side is a second inscription giving the circumstances of the construction of the tomb.
OPVS · APSOLVTVM · EX · TESTAMENTO · DIEBVS · CCCXXX
ARBITRATION
PONTI · P · F · CLA · MELA · HEREDIS · ET · POTHI · L
The work was completed, according to the will, in 330 days, by the decision of the heir [Lucius] Pontus Mela, son of Publius of Claudia, and Pothus, a freeman.
Another inscription on the eastern facade is of modern origin, having been carved by order of Pope Alexander VII in 1663. The text INSTAVRATVM · DOM · MDCLXIII, commemorates the excavation and restoration works carried out around the tomb between 1660 and 1662.
