A surprising corner of Rome

The area around the Piramide Cestia (Pyramid of Cestius) is one of the most surprising and least touristy in Rome: within a few hundred meters you'll find an Egyptian pyramid, a Roman gate, a romantic cemetery and industrial archaeology. Here's what to see on a walking itinerary.

The Pyramid of Cestius

Start at the Pyramid itself, roughly 36 meters tall and clad in white marble: the "Egyptian" tomb of a Roman magistrate, built into the Aurelian Walls. We dig deeper in our complete guide to the Piramide Cestia.

Porta San Paolo

Right beside the Pyramid stands Porta San Paolo, one of the best-preserved gates in the Aurelian Walls, complete with crenellated towers. It houses the small Museo della Via Ostiense. This is where the road to Ostia and the sea once began.

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The Non-Catholic Cemetery

Just a few steps away you'll find the Cimitero Acattolico (Non-Catholic, or "Protestant," Cemetery), one of Rome's most poetic places, with the graves of Keats and Shelley, the Angel of Grief (the weeping angel) and the famous cats. We've given it its own guide: the Non-Catholic Cemetery.

Testaccio and the Monte dei Cocci

Heading toward the river, you step into Testaccio, an authentic neighborhood known for Roman cooking and for the Monte dei Cocci, the artificial hill built from Roman amphorae. See our guide to Testaccio and to the Monte dei Cocci.

The Centrale Montemartini and Ostiense

In the opposite direction, along Via Ostiense, you'll come to the Centrale Montemartini: a former power plant turned museum, where Roman statues play off the old industrial machinery. All around, the Ostiense district is famous for its street art and large murals. Learn more with our guide to the Centrale Montemartini.

  1. Piramide Cestia and Porta San Paolo
  2. Cimitero Acattolico (Keats, Shelley, the cats)
  3. Testaccio and the Monte dei Cocci (a Roman lunch)
  4. Centrale Montemartini and the street art of Ostiense

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see near the Piramide Cestia? Porta San Paolo, the Cimitero Acattolico (graves of Keats and Shelley), Testaccio with the Monte dei Cocci, the Centrale Montemartini and the street art of Ostiense.

Can you do it on foot? Yes: the Pyramid, Porta San Paolo and the Cimitero Acattolico are all very close together. Testaccio and the Centrale Montemartini are within walking distance or a short ride away.

What is the Centrale Montemartini? A former power plant turned museum, where Roman statues play off the industrial machinery: a unique and captivating museum.

How much time do you need? About half a day for a full Pyramid–Cemetery–Testaccio–Ostiense itinerary, taken at a relaxed pace with a stop for lunch.

Is it a touristy area? Less so than the center: this is a more authentic, surprising side of Rome, much loved by return visitors and anyone seeking less crowded corners.

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Article #465 · Category: Itineraries · Updated: May 2026