Pyramid of Cestius

This sharply pointed marble-faced pyramid was built around 12 BC as the tomb of Gaius Cestius, a Roman magistrate, during a fashion for Egyptian style following the annexation of Egypt. Standing roughly thirty-six metres tall, it was later incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, which helped ensure its survival. The burial chamber inside preserves faded painted decoration and can be visited on occasional guided tours. It rises beside the Protestant Cemetery near the Porta San Paolo, an unexpected silhouette on the city's southern edge.