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The Pantheon of Rome

  • Rome, Lazio, Italy

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

One of Rome’s best-preserved landmarks, the Pantheon was originally a temple to the Gods. Rebuilt by Hadrian in AD 118 – it has been a church ever since 609.

Inside the original bronze doors, the astonishing 43m dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world; as a compliment to it, Michelangelo made the cupola of St. Peter’s a touch smaller. Originally the entire dome ceiling was covered with bronze plates, until Bernini convinced the Pope to let him strip them off to make the baldacchino in St. Peter’s – and there was enough bronze left over for 60 cannons.

Raphael and the first two kings of Italy are buried here.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest metro stop is Barberini.

Even though the queues may be long to enter, they move quickly. Entrance is free on weekdays, but on weekends you must book a 45-minute guided tour, or if you prefer to go it alone, buy a 35-minute audio guide from the website. Both include your entry ticket.

 

When to do it

The basilica is open all year round, seven days a week. The Pantheon is still a church however: if you turn up during a Mass (notably on Sunday mornings) you won’t be admitted.

To avoid the queues, go midweek and/or in the early morning. It’s a spectacular sight during a storm, when the water comes pouring through the oculus onto the floor.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

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Originators and developers of the Pantheon Elite tour for over 5 years, with official and native-speaking guides - with our experience and knowledge we are the only purveyors of this unique compact experience around the best-preserved and greatest of Roman temples. Experience a friendly and intimate adventure within the refreshing and compact time frame of 50-60 minutes. All amenities are at arm's length if needed at any point.

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  • Rome

The best way to experience ancient Rome is to join our walking tour. It offers a perfect introduction to Rome’s fascinating history. Your expert guide will take you directly inside the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, passing the long lines at the entrance. Hear stories of gladiator fights while exploring the Colosseum’s first and second tiers, learn about monuments such as the Curia at the Roman Forum, the Imperial Palaces within one of the historic hills of Rome, the Palatine Hill. Don’t waste precious time waiting in long lines! Join our skip-the-line tour to save time and enjoy your day admiring stunning monuments with an expert guide. Small group of 18 people or fewer guarantees personalized attention from your guide.

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Join our professional and experienced guides on our tour/s of Rome and discover the city's historical and religious landmarks. Learn fascinating stories, history and information about famous sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Temple of Hadrian, Sant' Ignazio church, and Piazza Navona. The tour runs multiply times every day. All necessary details will be sent to you via email as soon as you book NO need to confirm if anything e will contact you! This tour is an excellent value for an informative and entertaining way to explore the Eternal City. Don't miss the chance to see Rome in a unique and enlightening way. We are proud to provide operating as tour operator over ten years now, so come see it for yourself and join. PLEASE NOTE: You read our reviews before you book that way you know what to expect and how it works!

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See the very best of Rome and its most famous squares, monuments, fountains and artworks on this 2.5-hour afternoon walking tour. Be enchanted by the Eternal City as you stroll through Rome's picturesque cobblestone alleyways and discover some of the world's most famous sites, including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. You'll travel through time and admire Rome's must-see art and architecture, all in a single afternoon!

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Report to Touristation Navona, where our lovely staff will greet you. Begin your walk at Campo de’ Fiori, a lively square rich in local charm, Renaissance buildings, market stalls, and cafés. Continue through the historic center to Largo di Torre Argentina, where four ancient Roman temples stand. This is also the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, now home to a beloved cat sanctuary. Wander through Rome’s enchanting streets, filled with hidden churches, noble palaces, and elegant fountains. Your journey leads to the majestic Pantheon, built by Agrippa in 27 BC and consecrated as a church in the 7th century—one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the world. Explore inside at your own pace. Admire the vast unreinforced dome and central oculus connecting the temple to the sky. Pause by the tombs of Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II. Book your tour and experience the timeless magic of the Pantheon.

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