The entrance fee for Pyramid of Cestius as of 2025, is €7 per person, and it is accessible only through guided tours held on specific days of teh month. Tours typically run from Tuesday to Sunday, with several time slots available throughout the day. Reduced rates of €5 are available for EU citizens aged 18-25 and free admission is provided to children under 18, seniors over 65, and disabled visitors along with their companions.
Discovering Rome’s Egyptian Marvel
Have you ever imagined stumbling upon an Egyptian pyramid right in the heart of Rome? The Pyramid of Cestius, built between 18 and 12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a wealthy Roman magistrate, offers exactly that surreal experience. Standing at approximately 37 meters high, this structure, made of white marble and bricks, strikingly mimics the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient tombs, although significantly sharper in angle and more compact in design.
The Pyramid of Cestius
Our visit on April 5, 2025, allowed us to witness the pyramid’s recently restored facade—a careful process completed in 2015, funded by a Japanese businessman, ensuring that its gleaming marble remains as captivating today as it was in antiquity. Inside, visitors are met with a surprisingly small burial chamber adorned with delicate frescoes depicting classical figures and motifs. We suggest spending at least an hour here, embracing the uniquely serene atmosphere while considering the fascinating interplay between Roman ambitions and Egyptian symbolism.
Aerial view of the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome
Exploring the Surroundings
After visiting the Pyramid of Cestius, why not stroll to the adjacent Protestant Cemetery, known for the graves of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley? The peaceful gardens offer a tranquil break from Rome’s bustling streets. For lunch or coffee, we recommend Trattoria Pennestri, just a five-minute walk away, serving traditional Roman cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, “Pasticceria Barberini“ nearby is perfect for a quick snack or pastry.
If you have time, we strongly advise visiting the Aventine Hill, known for its peaceful residential streets, lush gardens like the Giardino degli Aranci, and the famous Aventine Keyhole, providing a remarkable view of St. Peter’s Basilica framed through hedges. This is definately a memorable way to conclude your exploration of the area.