Pyramid of Caius Cestius

The basics

Close to a number of Roman attractions, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius is well worth a stop on any self-guided city walk. You’re free to stroll around the exterior at any time, but you can only see the burial chamber and frescoes inside on a tour with the city’s archaeological superintendence—these happen just twice a month and are conducted in Italian.

Even if they don’t go inside the pyramid, many sightseeing tours will still give you more context about the monument and the surrounding neighborhoods. Tours on golf carts, Vespas, or vintage Fiats pass by the pyramid, as well as nearby attractions like the Orange Garden and Circus Maximus. Food-focused experiences also stop by, offering you a photo-opportunity at the pyramid before visiting Testaccio’s famed market and street food spots.

Things to know before you go

• Keep an eye out for an old Latin inscription on the east side of the pyramid, relaying a note from Caius Cestius himself instructing that his tomb be built within 330 days.
• For coffee with a view, head to the café on Piazzale Ostiense, which has a patio facing the pyramid and Porta San Paolo.
• The sidewalks surrounding the pyramid are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
• The closest public restroom is in Porta San Paolo train station.

How to get there

The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is a bit far from Rome’s historic center, around a 25-minute walk south of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Fortunately, it lies in a public transportation hub—right next to the Ostiense and Porta San Paolo train stations, Piramide metro station, a tram stop on Line 3, and several bus stops. Chances are, you can use public transit to get here from just about anywhere in the city.

When to get there

If you’d like to see a great view of the pyramid from the green, peaceful Protestant Cemetery, go during opening hours, typically from 9am to 4:30pm on Monday through Saturday. Otherwise, stop by any time of day. The weather in Rome is particularly pleasant from April to May or September to October.

Where to get the best view of the pyramid

The nicest view of the Pyramid of Caius Cestius is from the Non-Catholic Cemetery, also known as the Protestant Cemetery, where a number of famous figures are buried, including poet John Keats and Italian political theorist Antonio Gramsci. Have a seat on a bench and snap a picture of the imposing pyramid, framed by cypress trees, umbrella pines, and the grand Aurelian Walls. Don’t be surprised to see a few furry visitors—the cemetery is also the site of a cat sanctuary.