Pantheon Rome – Tickets and Guide

Pantheon Rome – Tickets and Guide

Tourist Information for the Pantheon in Rome

Facade of the Pantheon in Rome
The 'Oculus' at the interior of Pantheon Rome

The Pantheon Rome is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, famous for its architecture and historical importance. It is considered the best-preserved ancient building in Rome.

In this article you will find everything you need to know to plan your visit.

The Pantheon in Rome – General Information

Location

Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday: 9:00AM – 7:00PM (last entrance at 6:30PM).

Closed on 25th December and 1st January.

The opening times may be subject to change in accordance with religious celebrations or activities.

Entry and Tickets

Single entry tickets without audio guide can be purchased at the entrance.
Prices start from €5 (2€ for EU citizens aged 18 to 25, free for under 18s).

Top Tip to Skip the Long Line » The best way to get fast access is booking a fast-track entry ticket with audio guide for €17.50 (Book tickets here)



Visiting the Pantheon Rome

There is only one entrance to the Pantheon but you will find two separate lines: one for visitors with pre-booked tickets (usually much quicker, especially during peak season), and the other for visitors purchasing tickets on the spot.

If you have chosen to purchase the entry ticket at the ticket office on-site, please note it closes one hour before the Pantheon shuts.

There is also a maximum capacity (with only a certain amount of visitors per hour allowed) so there is some risk of long waiting times and a chance of being denied entry.

You will need at least 1 hour to fully explore the Pantheon. Unfortunately there aren’t any public toilets inside so I recommend visiting one of the cafes at Piazza della Rotonda beforehand.

Pantheon Rome Tickets and Tours

To guarantee the entry and skip the long queues you should consider booking a fast track access ticket online or to book a guided tour. Here are my top recommendations:

Fast-track Entry + Audio Guide


Fast-track Entry + Guided Tour



Pro Tip » If you are also planning to visit other landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica, you may want to consider booking the Rome Tourist Card to save some time and money.

BUY ROME TOURIST CARD




What to see at Pantheon Rome

There are several things that you can’t miss when you are visiting the Pantheon:


Exterior

The Pantheon’s façade is very impressive, featuring large carved granite columns. The façade also bears the following Latin inscription in bronze: ‘M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT’, which translates to ‘Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, built this during his third consulship.’


The Rotunda

The Rotunda (which means ’round’ in Italian) forms the main central structure of the Pantheon with its distinctive cylindrical shape. Within the dome of the Rotunda, you can see the Oculus (‘eye’ in Latin) – a slit at the top of the structure that leaks in sunlight to the interior. The Oculus is roughly 8 meters in diameter and helps to distribute the weight of the Pantheon in the central dome.


Pantheon Tombs

Within the Pantheon there are several burial sites which include some famous historical figures, such as the great artist Raphael or the Italian king Vittorio Emanuele II.


Altars

There are several altars inside the Pantheon dedicated to saints and various religious figures. The main altar contains a painting of the Madonna and Child.


Interior of Pantheon Rome
Main altar in Pantheon Rome



History of the Roman Pantheon

The construction of the Pantheon Rome was ordered by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. He chose to keep the original inscription details of the temple it replaced (commissioned by Marcus Agrippa) so the exact date of its construction is not known.

Over the years the Pantheon has served various purposes, from a temple dedicated to the ancient Roman gods, to a Christian church since the 7th century.

The Pantheon has a characteristic dome structure, which at the time was a revolutionary achievement in architecture. Despite various renovations over the years, the majority of the original structure remains intact.

Today, the Pantheon is one of the must-see monuments in Rome and a great structural example of Roman architecture.

You can find further information on the official website.




Location of the Pantheon Rome and How to Get There

The Pantheon is easily accessible by foot or by public transport as it is situated in the centre of Rome. You can use any of the options below:

  • Metro: Line A (stop Barberini – Fontana di Trevi) and Line B (stop Colosseo).
  • Bus: Lines 30, 40, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, and 628.

For detailed information about prices and travel passes check my transport page.

Arriving to the Pantheon by car is difficult, with a lack of parking spaces and access in the centre of Rome so I don’t recommend this option.




FAQs

Is there a dress-code to visit the Pantheon in Rome?

The Pantheon Rome is a church so this should be taken into consideration when deciding attire. The Pantheon kindly asks you to cover shoulders and knees.

Is it accessible for disabled people?

Yes – the Pantheon is accessible for everyone as there is a ramp at the main entrance to facilitate the entrance of wheelchairs.




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