On Via Caio Cestio in Testaccio, Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery is a quiet garden of winding paths, old tombs and shaded greenery beside the Pyramid of Cestius and the Aurelian Wall. It has been used for burials of non-Catholics since the 18th century. Look for the graves of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, along with varied memorials to people from different countries and faiths. Cats live among the paths, and the grounds provide a peaceful pause from the city.
A cemetery beside Rome’s ancient walls
The cemetery stands beside the Pyramid of Cestius and sections of the Aurelian Wall, near Porta San Paolo in Testaccio. The pyramid is a Roman tomb from the 1st century BC. It is rarely open, so the cemetery grounds are the place to take in its presence from nearby.
The site has received non-Catholic burials since the 18th century. It includes Jewish and English burial areas, and the people laid to rest here came from different countries and faiths. The tombs range from plain stone markers to elaborate sculptural memorials.
Poets and other notable graves
John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley are among the cemetery’s best-known residents. Their graves draw visitors interested in English Romantic poetry, but the paths lead past many other memorials to artists, writers and public figures, including Antonio Gramsci and Gregory Corso.
The cemetery’s varied tombs are part of the visit. Look for differences in their forms and inscriptions as you walk; memorials reflect a range of traditions and backgrounds.
Garden paths and resident cats
Trees and flowering plants grow among the headstones, with cypress, ivy, tree peonies, wisteria and roses noted around the grounds. Benches provide places to pause along the paths. Cats also live in the cemetery, often seen resting in the quieter corners.
The garden setting and the close view of the Pyramid of Cestius give the grounds a distinctive character. Take time to walk slowly and keep the cemetery’s purpose in mind: people come here to remember those buried on its grounds.
Planning a respectful visit
The cemetery is at Via Caio Cestio, 6. Staff can help you find a particular grave and answer questions about the site. Reading a little about its history beforehand can make it easier to recognize the people and memorials you encounter.
Photography has limits. Professional cameras are not permitted, and mobile-phone photographs are for personal use only; they may not be published. A donation is welcome to support upkeep. Keep your visit quiet and treat the graves and grounds with care.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome?
It is at Via Caio Cestio, 6, in the Testaccio area, beside the Pyramid of Cestius and sections of the Aurelian Wall.
Which famous people are buried there?
The cemetery is known for the graves of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Antonio Gramsci and Gregory Corso are also among those buried there.
Can you take photos in the cemetery?
Professional cameras are not allowed. Mobile-phone photos are for personal use only and may not be published.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to walk the paths and see the main graves and garden grounds.
