La Piramide Cestia is the only surviving monument of a series present in Rome in the 1st century BC, when funerary architecture was influenced by the fashion that arose in Rome after the conquest of Egypt in 31 BC.
Gaius Cestius, a Roman politician, member of the priestly college of the epulones, stipulated in his will that the construction of his tomb, in the form of a pyramid, be completed in 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 promulgated, which prevented the placement of some precious tapestries inside the cell, and the year of the death of Agrippa, 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 at the initiative of Emperor Aurelian.
The structure, 36.40 meters high with a square base of 29.50 m per side, consists of a core of concrete work with a brick facing; the external cladding is made of lunense marble slabs.
The burial chamber, about 23 sqm, with a barrel vault, was walled up at the time of burial, according to Egyptian custom. The first violation of the tomb probably dates back to the Middle Ages, through a tunnel dug on the northern side, which resulted in the loss of the funerary urn and significant portions of the decoration.
The walls are frescoed according to a panel decoration scheme, inside which there are, on a light background, figures of nymphs alternating with lustral vases. At the top, at the corners of the vault, four Winged Victories hold a crown and a ribbon in their hands; originally at the center there was probably a scene of apotheosis depicting the owner of the tomb.
The restoration of the burial cell 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 by 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 am
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 and 12
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 and 12
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 and 12
Information about Pyramid of Gaius Cestius
Via del Campo Boario,
Rome (Rome)
0639967700
ssba-rm@beniculturali.it
https://archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Source: MIBACT
