Pyramid of Caius Cestius

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What people say

"The Pyramid of Cestius (Italian: Piramide di Caio Cestio) is a Roman-era pyramid in Rome, Italy, near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery. It was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of the Epulones religious corporation. The pyramid is made of concrete and faced with marble. It is 36 meters (118 feet) high and has a square base of 30 meters (98 feet). The pyramid is decorated with a frieze of garlands and bucrania (ox skulls). The interior of the pyramid is a simple barrel-vaulted chamber. It contains the tomb of Gaius Cestius and his family. The tomb was discovered in 1660 and was excavated in 1817. The Pyramid of Cestius is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman monuments in Rome. It is a popular tourist destination and is often used as a backdrop for films and television shows. Here are some additional facts about the Pyramid of Cestius: It is the only surviving pyramid in Rome. It was built in the 1st century BC. It is made of concrete and faced with marble. It is 36 meters (118 feet) high and has a square base of 30 meters (98 feet). It is decorated with a frieze of garlands and bucrania (ox skulls). The interior of the pyramid is a simple barrel-vaulted chamber. It contains the tomb of Gaius Cestius and his family. The tomb was discovered in 1660 and was excavated in 1817. The Pyramid of Cestius is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman monuments in Rome. It is a popular tourist destination and is often used as a backdrop for films and television shows."
Braden Lake
"a tomb built to a magistrate in the 1st century B.C. that looks like a bizarre little piece of Egypt among Roman traffic."
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Desiree Janssen
"I love the way the piramide seems to slowly move over in the old walls built about three centuries later"

Mentioned in these guides

Rome, the eternal city, captivates visitors with its timeless allure and monumental history. Steeped in over 2,000 years of civilization, every corner tells a story of ancient empires, Renaissance art, and modern vitality. A visit to the Colosseum, the grand amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial contests, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome, while the Roman Forum nearby serves as an open-air museum of political and social life in antiquity. Beyond the ruins, Vatican City beckons with the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Wandering through Rome's cobblestone streets, visitors encounter an endless array of architectural marvels, from the majestic Pantheon to the elegant Spanish Steps. Each piazza invites leisurely strolls and indulgent dining experiences, where traditional trattorias serve up delectable Roman cuisine alongside world-class wines. Embrace the city's dolce vita spirit with a leisurely passeggiata along the Tiber River or a sunset vista from the romantic Gianicolo Hill. With its blend of ancient grandeur and modern charm, Rome promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy's cultural legacy. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (museums and cultural venues, open squares, and others) - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)
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