The Pyramid of Cestius is the only surviving monument of a series that existed in Rome in the 1st century BC, when funerary architecture was influenced by a fashion that arose in Rome after the conquest of Egypt in 31 BC.
Caius Cestius, a Roman politician and member of the priestly college of the Epulones, stipulated in his will that the construction of his tomb, in pyramid form, should be completed within 330 days. The tomb was erected along the Via Ostiense, between 18 and 12 BC, that is between the year the law against ostentatious luxury was enacted, which prevented placing precious tapestries inside the chamber, and the year of Agrippa’s death, Augustus’ son-in-law, mentioned among the beneficiaries of the will.
The pyramid was later incorporated into the city walls built between 272 and 279 AD on the initiative of Emperor Aurelian.
The structure, 36.40 meters high with a square base of 29.50 m per side, is composed of a core of concrete work with a brick facing; the outer cladding consists of slabs of Luna marble.
The burial chamber, about 23 square meters, with a barrel vault, was sealed at the time of burial, according to Egyptian custom. The first tomb breach probably dates back to the Middle Ages, through a tunnel dug on the northern side, which caused the loss of the funerary urn and significant portions of the decoration.
The walls are frescoed according to a panel decoration scheme, within which, on a light background, figures of nymphs alternate with ritual vases. At the top, in the corners of the vault, four winged Victories hold a crown and a ribbon; originally at the center there was supposed to be an apotheosis scene depicting the tomb owner.
The restoration of the burial chamber was carried out by the Archaeological Superintendence of Rome in 2001.
Accessibility
A tuff ramp allows access to the Pyramid, recently restored.
Suitable toilets are available.
Info 06 5743197
The monument can only be visited with a guided or accompanied tour (info and bookings Coopculture 06 39967700). Opening hours:
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL TOURS
2nd and 4th Saturday of the month; 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month; 3rd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month – 11 a.m.
GROUP EDUCATIONAL TOURS
2nd and 4th Saturday of the month; 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month; 3rd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month
– hours: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
ACCOMPANIED TOURS
2nd and 4th Saturday of the month; 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month; 3rd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month
– hours: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL TOURS
2nd and 4th Saturday of the month; 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month; 3rd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month
– hours: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Information about Pyramid of Caius Cestius
Via del Campo Boario,
Rome (Rome)
0639967700
ssba-rm@beniculturali.it
https://archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Source: MIBACT
