Sunday, February 2, 2025 While Egypt’s pyramids continue to attract millions of visitors each year, a surprising and lesser-known pyramid stands in Rome, Italy , offering tourists an unusual glimpse into ancient history. The Pyramid of Cestius , located near Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery , is a remarkable fusion of Roman and Egyptian influences . Built in 15 BC , this 37-meter-high pyramid was constructed as a tomb for Gaius Cestius , a Roman magistrate and member of the religious Epulones order.
Despite its historical and architectural significance , the Pyramid of Cestius remains largely unknown to mainstream tourists , making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path historical sites in Rome. Historians have suggested that the construction of the Pyramid of Cestius was directly inspired by Rome’s campaign in Egypt , which had occurred just eight years earlier . The conquest of Egypt in 30 BC left a lasting impression on Roman culture, influencing art, architecture, and religious practices .
As a result, the pyramid style became fashionable among wealthy Romans who wished to be buried in structures reminiscent of those in Giza . However, unlike the massive Egyptian pyramids , the Roman version was more stylized , built with brick-faced concrete and covered in white marble slabs . The design was influenced by the Nubian pyramids , which were steeper and narrower than their Egyptian counterparts .
For travelers exploring Ro.
