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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 07 April, 2024
Expert travel writer: Rebecca Winke

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: Any
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

5

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

Skip the Line: Colosseum and Ancient Rome Small-Group Walking Tour Including Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Rome

Skip the Line: Colosseum and Ancient Rome Small-Group Walking Tour Including Pantheon and Piazza Navona
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, visit Capitoline Hill for a great view over the Roman Forum and enjoy photo stops at Rome’s big-name attractions, including Piazza Venezia, Pantheon (exterior visit) and Piazza Navona. 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.

Price: €60

Min age: 0

Rating 4.18 / 5 [915 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Rome Walking Tour: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain

Rome

Best of Rome Walking Tour: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain
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!

Price: €29

Min age: 0

Rating 4.34 / 5 [610 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Pantheon Elite Tour in Rome

Rome

Pantheon Elite Tour in Rome
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 45 minutes. All amenities are at arm's length if needed at any point.

Price: €38

Min age: 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [606 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain

Rome

Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
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 daily in the morning and afternoon, and all necessary details will be sent to you via email as soon as you book. With no extra costs besides a tip for the guide but guaranteed only! if you enjoyed the tour, 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.

Price: €5

Min age: 0

Rating 4.59 / 5 [581 ratings]

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Rome: Wine & Food Paring Dinner with Sommelier near the Pantheon

Rome

Rome: Wine & Food Paring Dinner with Sommelier near the Pantheon
Immerse yourself in the very best of Italian cuisine on this 2.5 hrs wine & food pairing experience guided by a professional sommelier. You will taste very good wines and fine food in a awarded restaurant. Your table is already reserved, so you will skip waiting lists at this local institution: Casa Bleve. With a culinary connoisseur hosting the evening, indulge in a classic Italian ‘aperitivo’ (aperitif) in the atmospheric cellar of a family-run restaurant. Feasting on three mouthwatering courses of perfectly prepared local specialties in the dining room. To make the evening even more memorable, each delectable dish is paired with a glass of fine, regional wine. Learn everything about wine pairing tecniques and local wines. Perfect to celebrate your Roman Holiday or a personal event sharing with a small sized group of 8 people max. Gourmand and food connoisseurs from all over the world know this place, located in a 15th century building few steps to Pantheon & Navona, join us!

Price: €130

Min age: 18

Rating 4.75 / 5 [264 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rome

Lazio, Italy

Rome

The Eternal City – 2,000 extraordinary years of glory, greatness and triumph – and decadence, murder and destruction – evidenced by some of the world’s most iconic, must-see monuments and museums.

Round-ups

2

Round-ups that include this experience

100 World’s greatest historic buildings

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.