Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome: the graves of Keats and Shelley, and its cats

Updated on October 5, 2026

Rome's Non-Catholic Cemetery (Cimitero acattolico, also called the "English Cemetery"), at Via Caio Cestio 6, is one of the most peaceful places in the city: cypresses, pines, graves overgrown with roses and the Pyramid of Cestius as a backdrop. Since the 18th century it has received the Protestants, Orthodox, Jews and non-believers who died in Rome, often foreign artists and writers, including the poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Entry is free, with a suggested €5 contribution. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is a working cemetery: keep quiet and dress respectfully.

Highlights

The old section

An open lawn at the foot of the pyramid, where the oldest graves mingle with the cypresses. John Keats, who died in Rome of tuberculosis in 1821 at the age of 25, lies here: his stone bears the epitaph he asked for, without his name, "Here lies one whose name was writ in water".

Shelley, Gramsci and the others

Percy Bysshe Shelley, who drowned off Tuscany in 1822, rests at the top of the cemetery, against the Aurelian Wall. You will also find the grave of Antonio Gramsci, founder of the Italian Communist Party, and that of August von Goethe, the writer's son, who died in Rome in 1830.

The cemetery cats

Cats live in the cemetery, fed and cared for by volunteers, and wander among the graves. They have become one of the best-known images of the place; please do not feed them.

Opening hours and prices

Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm), Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 1pm (last entry 12:30pm). Closed on 1 and 6 January, for two weeks in mid-August and on 8, 24, 25, 26 and 31 December. Free entry; voluntary €5 contribution for upkeep.

Practical info

Tips

Respectful dress is required; no food or drink; dogs not allowed. Photos are for personal use only: the rules forbid posting them on social media. Information taken in October 2026: check the cemetery's website before you come, as closing days vary. The ground is sloping and uneven in the upper part.

How to get there

Via Caio Cestio 6, 00153 Rome, behind the Pyramid of Cestius. Metro line B, Piramide station, then a 5-minute walk. Tram 3 and several buses to Porta San Paolo. See also the Pyramid of Cestius, which overlooks the cemetery, and our guide to the Testaccio district for lunch afterwards. To continue the day on the Ostiense side, read Ostiense and Garbatella.