Pyramid of Cestius

The Pyramid of Cestius is a unique monument in the architectural landscape of Rome, located in the Ostiense district near Porta San Paolo. Built between 18 and 12 BC, the pyramid serves as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a Roman magistrate and member of the priestly college of the Epulones. This monument represents a fascinating fusion of Roman architecture and Egyptian style, a result of the Egyptomania that spread in Rome after the conquest of Egypt by Octavian Augustus in 31 BC. The pyramid is approximately 36 meters high and has a square base of almost 30 meters per side. It is built of concrete and bricks, covered with white marble slabs from Luni, giving it a luminous and imposing appearance. An inscription on the facade states that the construction was completed in just 330 days, as stipulated in Cestius’ will. The structure is an example of how the Romans adopted and adapted cultural elements from other civilizations, in this case Egyptian funerary architecture. The interior of the pyramid, unfortunately, is not accessible to the public except with special permits, but its inner walls are decorated with frescoes depicting nymphs and decorative vases. In the center of the vault are representations of winged Victories holding crowns and ribbons, an iconographic theme that reflects the importance of victory and success in Roman culture. The Pyramid of Cestius was later incorporated into the Aurelian Walls between 271 and 275 AD, during the construction of the city fortifications ordered by Emperor Aurelian. This integration into the walls helped preserve the monument, which has remained one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. Over the centuries, the pyramid has been the subject of various interpretations and legends. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to be the tomb of Remus, the legendary brother of Romulus, the founder of Rome. It was only during excavations conducted in the 17th century, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII, that it was clarified that the monument was indeed the mausoleum of Gaius Cestius, thanks to the inscriptions found inside. One of the most interesting aspects of the pyramid is its modern context. Near the pyramid is the Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome, also known as the English Cemetery, where numerous artists and poets are buried, including John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. This cemetery is a place of great tranquility and reflection, adding another layer of historical and cultural significance to the area. Another fascinating detail is the presence of a colony of stray cats living around the pyramid. These cats are protected by special laws of Rome, and the site has become a landmark for animal lovers, with volunteers taking care of the felines and visitors being able to interact with them. In 2013, thanks to the generous donation of a Japanese entrepreneur, Yuzo Yagi, significant restoration works were initiated that brought the pyramid back to its ancient splendor. This two-year restoration project included cleaning the external marble slabs and restoring the internal frescoes.