Rome's Pyramid of Cestius reopens after restoration
The Pyramid of Cestius in Rome has been reopened following a restoration initiative designed to improve visitor access and experience. This project, managed by the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma and financed through the PNRR – Caput Mundi program in preparation for Jubilee 2025, features enhancements such as new lighting, improved accessibility, landscaping, a fresh pathway, renovated green spaces, and upgraded fencing. The entrance gate from Piazzale Ostiense has been replaced, and a handrail has been installed. Free guided tours will be offered from September 4 to October 31, 2026. Constructed between 18 and 12 BC as the tomb of Gaius Cestius, the pyramid reaches a height of 36.40 meters and was integrated into the Aurelian Walls between 272 and 279 AD.
Key facts
- The Pyramid of Cestius reopened after a restoration project by the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma, funded by PNRR – Caput Mundi for the Jubilee 2025.
- The project included new lighting for the exterior and funerary chamber, improved accessibility, new paving, landscaping, and new informational panels.
- Free visits are scheduled from September 4 to October 31, 2026, with evening guided tours on Fridays in September and daytime openings on select dates.
- The pyramid was built between 18 and 12 BC as the tomb of Gaius Cestius, a member of the Epulones priestly college.
- The monument is 36.40 meters high with a square base of 29.50 meters per side, featuring a concrete core and marble exterior.
- The funerary chamber is decorated with paintings in the Third Pompeian Style and was found empty during excavations in 1633.
- The pyramid was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls between 272 and 279 AD, which helped preserve it.
- In 2013, Japanese patron Yuzo Yagi funded a one-million-euro restoration that led to reopening in 2015.
Entities
Artists
- Gaius Cestius
- Barbara Rossi
- Yuzo Yagi
- Francesco Borromini
- Ignazio Marino
- Augustus
- Cleopatra
- Pope Alexander VII Chigi
- Borromini
Institutions
- Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma
- PNRR – Caput Mundi
- Artribune
- Eventbrite
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Ostiense
- Piazzale Ostiense
- Via della Conciliazione
- Via Ostiense
- Via Raffaele Persichetti
- Pyramid of Cestius
Sources
- Inside Art —
- Artribune —
- Arte Magazine —