Caius Caestius Pyramid
The Cestia (“tchah-steeah“) pyramid is dated back in the 1st century b.C. and take its name from “Caius Caestius” the nobleman who wanted it built as a monumental tomb for his family. It has been a “must-see” of the “Grand Tour”, the solo travelling that noble young men used to undertake back in the XVII century as an educational trip, as it was a unique in Europe: the only one left of many erected in Rome back when Egyptian influence on roman late Republic culture was growing and everything that originated there had a strong charm on upper class Romans.
The “pyramid” as it is shortened nowadays by romans stands as a landmark in everyday life of Rome citizens that use it as a reference to give directions or to meet people as if this has always been its purpose: the effect of having it daily in your panorama.
The Cestia pyramid now stands, white and bright, thanks to a recent refurbishing, where Testaccio (tahs-tatch-yo) and Ostiense (ohs-tiahn-zeh) neighbourhoods meet, sort of a luxurious milestone for every visitor to admire; behind it the secretive garden of the non-catholic cemetery hides to preserve its tranquillity; on its right the S. Paul’s gate, with its two perfectly preserved round towers, one of the ancient access to the city opened in the Aurelian walls that run around the ancient city for 12 miles.
The gate now hosts a museum of the old “Via Ostiensis“: the road that connected Rome to the harbour of Ostia Antica on the Mediterranean coast.
If you are travelling to Rome with your family or travelling alone, and would like to discover something that hardly is found on your guide, spend some quality time in the company of locals in a friendly environment, why not enjoy a travel experience with us: small group up to 8 people top, accompanied walking tour by locals, real Italian food experience and some insight on the authentic Italian way of life.
