Project Pyramid: the rolling (& pointy) hills of Tuscany
Mystery Pyramid Hills Near Florence, Tuscany
It may seem that the rolling Tuscan hills are not always as natural as they appear.
In the small town of Rosano Fiorentino, near Pontassieve just outside Florence, an archaeological project has sparked interest after the discovery of three unusually pointed hill formations.
Are There Pyramids Near Florence?
Some researchers believe these formations could be ancient pyramid-like structures, located roughly 14 kilometres east of Florence.
What makes them even more intriguing is their visibility: the formations can reportedly be seen from up to one kilometre away, and appear to be aligned in a pattern resembling the Orion constellation, similar to theories surrounding the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
However, this theory remains speculative and is still under investigation.
Other Pyramid Structures in Tuscany
If confirmed, these would not be the first pyramid-shaped structures in the region.
One well-known example is located in Le Cascine Park on the outskirts of Florence.
The Cascine Ice Pyramid
Built in 1796 by Giuseppe Manetti, this pyramid was originally designed as an innovative ice storage structure. It is approximately 10 metres tall and is considered one of Florence’s most unusual historical “refrigeration” buildings. Today, it is used as storage for garden equipment.
Nearby, visitors can also find the Fonte di Narciso, another pyramid-inspired fountain structure that reflects neoclassical design influences.
The Oldest Pyramid in Florence
Another lesser-known pyramid structure can be found in the Jewish Cemetery on Viale Ariosto.
This is the Levi family funeral chapel, dating back to 1777, making it one of the oldest pyramid-inspired monuments in Florence. It remained in use until the late 19th century and today stands mostly empty, with only remnants of its original memorial presence still visible.
Italy’s Broader Pyramid History
Tuscany is not alone in its pyramid fascination.
In Rome, visitors can explore the famous Pyramid of Cestius, an ancient Roman tomb influenced by Egyptian design.
Near the Vatican, the long-destroyed Pyramid of Romulus once stood, adding further mystery to Rome’s ancient funerary architecture.
These examples show that pyramid-inspired structures have appeared in Italy across multiple eras—from ancient Rome to Enlightenment-era Tuscany.
Final Thoughts
Whether the pyramid-shaped hills near Rosano Fiorentino are natural formations or something more mysterious, they add another layer of intrigue to Tuscany’s already rich landscape.
From experimental 18th-century structures in Florence to ancient Roman pyramids in Rome, Italy continues to blur the line between nature, architecture, and legend.
Just nearby there is also the Fonte di Narciso, a pyramid-shaped fountain.
Located in the Jewish Cemetary off Viale Ariosto is the oldest pyramid in Florence. Dating back to 1777 is the Levi family funeral chapel, which remained in use until the late 1800s. Today, it is empty save from some remaining wreaths.
