19/02/2024
The Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome, also known as Protestant Cemetery or Cemetery of the Artists, is a quiet and poetic corner that often escapes the eye of the hurried tourist among the myriad historical beauties that adorn the city of Rome.
Located near the Cestius Pyramid, this place of eternal rest boasts a history that spans through the centuries. Since the 1700s, it has been the final resting place for non-Catholics, many of whom were part of the foreign artistic and intellectual elite attracted to the Eternal City.
Walking along its shaded pathways, you can find the tombs of prominent figures in the history of art and literature, including:
- the English romantic poet John Keats, whose epitaph does not mention his name but carries a poignant reflection on his misunderstood art: "Here lies One Whose name Was writ in Water";
- Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose heart, according to legend, was retrieved after his cremation on the beach of Viareggio and buried here;
- the antiquarian and poet Edward Trelawny, a friend of Shelley and Byron, who wrote touching epitaphs for his companions;
- the iconic sculptor William Story and his wife Emelyn, whose tomb is a work of art in itself: the Angel of Grief is a true masterpiece sculpted by Story in memory of his wife;
- Carlo Emilio Gadda, an Italian poet and writer among the greatest innovators of 20th-century fiction.
This cemetery not only offers a place to commemorate past lives but also a space for reflection on the beauty and fragility of life.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking peace, the Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome is a must-visit. Every day, it confirms itself as one of the most precious and least-known treasures of the capital.
Non-Catholic Cemetery
Via Caio Cestio, 6 (10 minute walk from Circo Massimo Apartment & Terrace)
Infos: www.cemeteryrome.it