If you are planning a visit to Rome, the Eternal City then you must have in mind Vatican and Colosseum Tours or tours of the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain. But if you are looking for an experience altogether different and unique, you must not miss visiting Rome’s only pyramid, the pyramid of Cestius. With Vatican private tour guide you can gain access to this beautiful and ancient monument right in the heart of Rome.
History
The pyramid of Cestiuscame to be built in Rome probably because of architectural influences coming in from Egypt, a country Rome had already sent expeditions to in 30 BC. The pyramid was constructed within a year around 18 BC. It was built for someone called Caius Cestius to be buried in. Cestius was a powerful man and a religious priest.
Location
The pyramid lies in central Rome directly opposite the Piramidemetro station. Three roads intersect at the pyramid that stands at the edge of Testaccio district of Rome. The premises also has a cat sanctuary on it and a stone’s throw away can be found the Protestant Cemetery and the Porta San Paolo.
Architecture
The monument is built in white Luni marble covering its concrete and lava rock inner layer. It is 37 meters high and the inner walls of the monument are covered in frescoes. Most of these frescoes have disintegrated over time. The pyramid is steeper than most Egyptian ones, a possible result of faulty measurements.
Restoration
Originally, the pyramid was not the only one in Rome. It had a twin in Vatican City. But this pyramid was destroyed in the 16th century so its marble could be used for the construction of St Peter’s Basilica. But Cestius’ pyramid survived and it was restored in the 1600s, in 2001 and in 2011.
Visitors
Access to the pyramid was exclusively reserved for researchers till as late as 2015. Today, tourists have access to the monument on select weekends of the month and reservations are done online in advance.
Conclusion
The pyramid also finds mention in the famous English poet P B Shelley’s elegy Adonais where it is described as “one keen pyramid with wedge sublime”.
For the original article, click here — www.vaticantour.com/blog/five-things-to-remember-about-the-only-pyramid-in-rome.
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