Protestant Cemetery

Keats's Grave

"Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water"—the poet's chosen epitaph

Shelley's Grave

The poet's ashes were buried here in 1823; his heart, rescued from the pyre, stayed with Mary Shelley and lies in England

Peaceful Gardens

Cypress trees, roses, and Mediterranean plants create a serene atmosphere

Plan Your Visit

Compare tickets, tours and stays — booking ahead usually gives more choice

Why Visit the Protestant Cemetery?

Oscar Wilde called it "the holiest place in Rome." Locals know it as the Cimitero Acattolico—the Non-Catholic Cemetery—a tranquil garden tucked behind the ancient Pyramid of Cestius, where cypress trees shade the graves of poets, artists, diplomats, and dreamers from around the world.

For lovers of Romantic poetry, this is sacred ground. John Keats lies in the Old Cemetery section, his simple headstone bearing the epitaph he chose: "Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water." Nearby, the ashes of Percy Bysshe Shelley rest beneath a stone inscribed with lines from Shakespeare's Tempest: "Nothing of him that doth fade, But doth suffer a sea-change, Into something rich and strange."

Beyond its literary significance, the cemetery is one of Rome's most peaceful escapes. Wandering among the grounds, you'll find thousands of graves of people from many nations, according to the cemetery—artists, scholars, ambassadors, and soldiers who made up the international community that has called Rome home since the 18th century.

Notable Burials

John Keats

1795-1821

English Romantic poet, author of 'Ode to a Nightingale'

Percy Bysshe Shelley

1792-1822

English Romantic poet, author of 'Prometheus Unbound'

Antonio Gramsci

1891-1937

Italian Marxist philosopher and politician

August von Goethe

1789-1830

Son of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Carlo Emilio Gadda

1893-1973

Major Italian novelist and engineer

Gregory Corso

1930-2001

American Beat poet

History of the Cemetery

1716

Cemetery Founded

The first Protestant burial takes place beside the ancient Pyramid of Cestius

1821

Keats Buried

John Keats is interred after dying of tuberculosis aged 25; his epitaph omits his name at his request

1822

Shelley's ashes

After Shelley drowns and is cremated near Viareggio, his ashes are buried here in 1823

1824

Lord Byron's Daughter

Allegra Byron, daughter of the poet Lord Byron, is buried in the cemetery

1894

New Section Opens

The 'New Cemetery' section expands the grounds to accommodate more burials

1956

Antonio Gramsci

The Italian Marxist philosopher is buried here, his grave becoming a pilgrimage site

Today

Living Memorial

Still an active cemetery with thousands of graves, maintained by a dedicated foundation

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer visitors. Avoid midday in summer.

Getting There

Metro B to Piramide station (1 min walk). The entrance is on Via Caio Cestio, behind the Pyramid.

Combine Your Visit

Complete the literary pilgrimage with the Keats-Shelley House at the Spanish Steps.

Respectful Behavior

This is an active cemetery. Maintain quiet, don't sit on graves, and be mindful of mourners.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

  • • Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • • Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
  • • Closed: Dec 25, Jan 1

Entry & Donations

  • • Entry by voluntary donation (donation encouraged)
  • • Free cemetery map available at entrance
  • • Photography allowed (no flash, no tripods)
  • • Resident cats are sometimes seen among the grounds

Frequently Asked Questions