CNN iReport

Situated very closely to the Pyramid of Cestius is a cemetery which is known by many names: popularly, Cimitero Protestane (Protestant Cemetery), formerly Cimitero degli Inglesi (Englishmen's Cemetery), and officially Cimitero Acattolico (non-Catholic Cemetery).  Fortunately, it's not so much what the place is called but what you'll find there that makes this such a desirable destination.

Non-Catholics were not allowed to be buried inside the walls of Rome until the mid-1700s. Since then, hundreds of people have been interred here. The high walls and abundant trees make this as quiet a place as one can hope to find in Rome and the atmosphere is surprisingly serene. Paths spiderweb throughout the space allowing access to the many graves. Some are marked simply with a plain headstone, while others are decorated extremely ornately with large or intricate sculptures. One such marker depicts an angel crying over a headstone, while others represent the appearance of the deceased.

This cemetery has been the destination of many authors and artists over the years due to the fact that some of their well-known brethren are buried here. Oscar Wilde once visited, calling it the “holiest place in Rome”. The English poet Percy Blysshe Shelley wrote, "It might make one in love with death, to think that one should be buried in so sweet a place," shortly before he drowned at the age of 30 and was buried here.

Beside Shelley's, other graves of note include those of Hendrik Christian Andersen, Gregory Corso, Edward John Trelawny, Caroline Carson and, most famously, poet John Keats. In a corner of the cemetery, Keats's tombstone does not feature his name but instead calls him "A Young English Poet". By his request, the marker also reads “Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water”.

The close proximity to the Piramide metro stop makes this site easy to get to, and the lush quietness of the atmosphere makes it easy to stay.

Via Caio Cestio 6

Roma  00153

Admission: free