Whoever happens to get off at the line B metro stop Piramide in Rome might be surprised to find an actual pyramid across the road from the main exit of the underground station. Though the only one still standing, it was not even the only pyramid in the city during the golden days of the Empire.
Caio Cestio Pyramid Rome, a brief history
Especially during the reign of the Emperor August Egypt and everything related to this country was extremely fashionable in Rome, as also shown by the obelisks that can still be admired in many of the city’s main squares.
Construction of the Pyramid of Caio Cestio, as it is officially called, was finished in the year 12 BC. It had taken 6 years to build this tomb to the magistrate Caius Cestius.
Unfortunately little is known of Caio Cestio himself (except that he must have been wealthy), since the pyramid was plundered several times in the course of the centuries.
Its height is around 36 m and it has a width of almost 30 m. The initial impression is that it is smaller than that, but that is because the streets around it were built at a higher level.
It is made of brick and mortar, covered with a layer of marble from Carrara.
An inscription on the outer wall of the pyramid indicates that construction took 330 days. It was done so fast, because of a stipulation in Caio Cestio’s will. If the pyramid was not finished within 330 days, its benefactors would lose their inheritance.
Later it was incorporated in the Aurelian wall.
Nowadays the pyramid, which displays some interesting frescoes on the inner walls of the burial chamber (only discovered in 1660), can also be visited, but only as part of a guided tour and only after having made a reservation in advance.
Of two other Roman pyramids, one near the present day Piazza del Popolo and one near the Castel Sant’Angelo, nothing is left.
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: Piazzale Ostiense – Rome (tel. +39 06 39967700). There is a wheelchair entrance at the Via Raffaele Persichetti. Opening hours: On the first saturday and sunday of the month at 10.30 AM, after having visited the Museo della Via Ostiense, it is possible to visit the pyramid, accompanied by a guide. For information and reservations you can call +39 065743193. On the third and fourth saturday and sunday of the month you can visit the Pyramid of Cestius from 11 AM. Admission is 5,50 Euros.
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