Standing majestically next to the historic San Paolo arch in Rome (Italy), the Caius Cestius pyramid has just officially opened to the public after a three-year major restoration project.
The restoration project focuses on reinforcing entrance stairs, re-planning garden vegetation, adding interactive instruction boards and installing modern art lighting systems to serve unique night tours.
Built along the ancient Via Ostiense route from about 18 to 12 BC, this pyramid-shaped tomb reflects the tomb architecture trend inspired by ancient Egypt. The tomb owner is Caius Cestius, a high-ranking Roman official.
The structure is 36.4m high with a square bottom of approximately 30m on each side, completely tiled with pure white marble slabs. Inside the tomb is a votive burial chamber painted white, preserving sophisticated murals depicting the goddesses and the Goddess of Victory with wings carrying wreaths.
The return of the Cestius pyramid after the restoration is bringing a mysterious heritage rendezvous, opening up a new perspective on the cultural intersection between Rome and Egypt right in the heart of the Italian capital.
