After three years of closure, the Pyramid of Cestius is once again open to the public, featuring a new lighting system and an archaeological area that has undergone restoration work. The work was carried out by the Special Superintendence of Rome as part of the PNRR – Caput Mundi program. The reopening will be accompanied by a schedule of free daytime and evening visits, scheduled from September 4 through October 31.
Evening guided tours will begin on Friday, September 4, and continue every Friday of the month, with three sessions at 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Each tour will last 45 minutes and be limited to a maximum of 30 people; reservations are required via Eventbrite. The evening openings will allow visitors to explore the monument after dark, highlighted by the new lighting system.
The project focused in particular on the complete renovation of the scenic lighting system, both outside and inside the burial chamber. The project was designed to highlight the Pyramid’s architecture and the decorative elements of the burial chamber, facilitating a more effective appreciation of the monument even during evening visits.
A new accessible pathway with corresponding paving was also constructed, while the green areas were improved through the renovation of the irrigation system. New informational panels were installed, and the fencing was upgraded. The entrance gate from Piazzale Ostiense has been replaced, and a new handrail has been added along the staircase. Finally, the improvements included a better organization of the spaces designated for the cat colony.
The program will continue with free daytime visits. On Saturday, September 5, 12, and 19, there will be three open-house sessions at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m., with a maximum of 50 people per session and a duration of 45 minutes. On Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, seven sessions will be available, hourly from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., again with a maximum of 50 people per session and advance reservations required.
In October, daytime openings are scheduled for Saturdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, with sessions at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Again, admission will be free, with reservations required and a limit of 50 visitors per session.
During the visit, visitors are required to wear comfortable shoes and follow the instructions of the Superintendency staff. Entry into the burial chamber must be one person at a time, with heads bowed; climbing onto low walls or archaeological structures will not be permitted. These special openings are designed to allow the public to learn about the restoration work carried out and to revisit the monument through an updated tour route, with a focus on preservation, accessibility, and enhancement. Reservations are available on Eventbrite. Information is available on the Special Superintendency of Rome’s website.
“With this project, the PNRR reaffirms its value not only as a tool for preserving cultural heritage but also as an opportunity to make it more accessible and closer to the public,” states Daniela Porro, Special Superintendent of Rome. “The renovation of the Pyramid of Cestius tangibly improves the site’s visitor experience, safety, and accessibility, allowing us to offer citizens and visitors a richer and more inclusive experience.”
“In this project, we followed a specific principle: to improve every aspect of the visitor experience while respecting the monument’s identity,” says Barbara Rossi, director of the Pyramid of Cestius. “Even the new lighting system was designed with this goal in mind: to guide the visitor’s gaze, highlighting the Pyramid’s volumes and the frescoes in the burial chamber without altering their perception. Together with the new pathways and amenities, it helps make the site clearer, more accessible, and more functional.”
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| The Pyramid of Cestius reopens after three years with new lighting |
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