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Monument · Roma, Lazio
Pantheon
The best-preserved Roman temple, with a concrete dome and an open oculus at the top. It is also a church and houses the tomb of Rafael. Admission requires a ticket.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pantheon
The Pantheon was rebuilt by Emperor Adriano around 118–125 AD on the site of an earlier temple by Agripa, whose name still appears on the inscription of the façade. It was dedicated to all the gods, and in 609 it became a church, Santa Maria ad Martyres, which helped preserve it.
The dome is about 43 meters in diameter—the same measurement as the height from the floor to the top—and for centuries it was the largest dome in the world. In the center, the oculus of about 9 meters is the only source of light. When it rains, water falls onto the floor and drains away through small drainage holes.
Inside are the tombs of the painter Rafael and of the first kings of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. In front, the Piazza della Rotonda has a fountain with an obelisk and cafés overlooking the granite columned portico.
Visiting requires a ticket, which can be bought online or on site. For Saturday evening and Sunday morning masses, entry is reserved for worshippers and is free. As it is a church, appropriate clothing is requested, with shoulders and knees covered.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
Right at opening in the morning, or mid-afternoon when sunlight comes through the oculus and creates a circle of light on the walls. On a rainy day you can see water falling through the oculus.
How to get there
On foot, about 5 minutes from Piazza Navona and 10 from the Fontana di Trevi. There is no nearby metro; several buses pass via Largo di Torre Argentina, a few blocks away.
Tip
Buy the ticket online to choose a time slot. Look at the inscription M. AGRIPPA on the pediment and notice the bronze doors, which are Roman.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pantheon
Does the Pantheon charge admission?
Yes, the visit requires a ticket, sold online and at the box office. Under-18s do not pay. During Masses, entry is only for the faithful and is free.
Who is buried in the Pantheon?
The painter Rafael and the kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as Queen Margherita. The tombs are in the side chapels.
Does it rain inside the Pantheon?
Yes. The oculus at the top of the dome is open, and water falls onto the floor, which has small drainage holes to channel the rain.