The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most remarkable and well-preserved ancient sites, making visiting the Pantheon an unmissable highlight of any trip to the Eternal City. As you plan your visit, here are the key details you’ll need to know to see this impressive feat of Roman engineering for yourself.
Getting There
The Pantheon is located in the Piazza della Rotonda, right in the heart of Rome’s historic centre. With its central location, it’s easy to get to by several modes of transportation:
By Bus: The Buses n° 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87, and 492 get off at the Largo di Torre Argentina stop, which is about 500 yards from the Pantheon.
By Metro: The nearest Metro station, Barberini on the Metro A line, is located around 1000 yards from the Pantheon.
Once you arrive, it’s just a short walk to reach the famous marble columns and inscription-topped portico of the ancient temple.
When to Visit
Visiting the Pantheon is possible nearly every day of the year, with opening hours from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily (last entry at 6:45 pm). Times may vary for special religious celebrations. The Pantheon is closed on January 1st, August 15th, and December 25th.
While the site doesn’t get packed like other major Roman attractions, aim to arrive earlier in the day if you want to beat larger crowds. Free entry on the first Sunday of every month also brings more local visitors.
Tickets and Admission
There is no cost for admission for children under 18 or residents of Rome, but for other visitors, there is a small fee:
- Adults over 25: €5
- Adults between ages 18 to 25: €3
At the site’s entrance, you can pay this fee in cash or by contactless payment. However, visiting the Pantheon is easiest if you book advance tickets through the official website. You will need to choose a date and 30-minute entry timeslot before receiving an email e-ticket to bring with you or show on your mobile device.
What to See Inside
Once through the grand portico with its 16 towering columns, you’ll step into the Pantheon’s massive domed interior. The highlight here is the building’s concrete dome – an incredible feat of architecture and engineering. At 43 meters in diameter, it remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. A circular opening at the dome’s apex, known as the oculus, creates an impressive circle of light on the interior. The domed rotunda creates an amazing sense of openness and space despite the building’s age.
In addition to architecture and design, artwork is another key aspect of visiting the Pantheon. The interior space holds decorative sculptural niches and the lavish tombs of famed Italian artists and royalty like the Renaissance painter Raphael. The building maintains its original purpose as a temple and Catholic church, so you may see people coming to light candles and pray at smaller side altars within the rotunda.
Taking in the design details and artwork makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth a visit. With essential info on getting there and what admission includes, use these tips to plan your own trip to admire the architecture and history encased within the Pantheon’s ancient walls. Whether you go in the early morning or late afternoon, visiting the Pantheon offers an unmatched glimpse into Roman innovation that has endured for nearly 1900 years. From the columns to the dome, impressive discoveries await around every corner.
