Rome’s Hidden Gems: The Pyramids and the Graves of Keats & Shelley

📍 **Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome** 🕳️ · **History:** Established in the 18th century, this is the only cemetery in Rome where non-Catholics (including Protestants, Jews, and Orthodox Christians) were allowed to be buried. At the time, the Catholic Church prohibited non-believers from being interred in public cemeteries. · **Early Burials:** In 1738, the first person buried here was a student from Oxford. Over time, it became a resting place for many European artists and writers. · **Keats and Shelley:** · **Keats’ Grave (1821):** The tombstone features a bas-relief of a broken lyre and the inscription “Here lies one whose name was writ in Water,” which he dictated before his death. He is buried alongside his close friend, the painter Joseph Severn. · **Shelley’s Grave (1822):** The epitaph “Cor Cordium” (Heart of Hearts) is taken from Shakespeare. The low, unadorned tombstone symbolizes his turbulent life. 🖼️ The cemetery is serene and beautiful, surrounded by Mediterranean cypresses and pomegranate trees. The tombstones blend classical and romantic styles, with some featuring images of the deceased or symbolic motifs (like palettes and books). It’s a tranquil and elegant space described as a poetic blend of “tears and smiles, stone and flowers.” 🚇 You can easily reach the cemetery by taking Line B of the metro to Piramide station, just two stops from Colosseum station. 🎟️ Admission is free, but a donation of €5 per person is requested. The cemetery also doubles as an animal shelter, and you’ll find many adorable cats 🐈 roaming around that you can pet! #ExchangeOfSpring #TracesOfHistory #WorldHeritageCity #ItalyTravel #TravelBeyondTheBucketList #RomeTravel #HiddenGemsOfRome #Travel