Rome is full of iconic historical buildings, and the Pantheon is just another to add to your list to see during your visit. It is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient structures and is famous for its incredible design. The Pantheon also sits in the heart of the city and doesn’t require much time to visit, making this a great activity to incorporate into your Rome itinerary. Here are some details for your visit.
Pantheon Overview
First, a little history on the Pantheon. Construction of the original temple began in 27 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, who was commissioned to build a temple dedicated to multiple gods. However, emperor Hadrian had it rebuilt around 118 AD, constructing the famous structure we see today.
This is the only ancient structure in Rome that has remained largely intact, though it had been neglected for a period before the Byzantine emperor dedicated it to Pope Boniface IV in 609 AD. The Pope consecrated it and it then became a place of Christian worship. A couple members of Italian royalty and multiple renowned artists, including Raphael, have been laid to rest in tombs within the Pantheon over the years.
The Pantheon is an architectural masterpiece. The massive stone dome was the largest built until more modern times. It measures 142ft (43m) in diameter and 71ft (22m) tall from the dome’s base. A large hole, or oculus, sits at the top, allowing light inside. There is also a drainage system below for any rain that enters through the oculus. The building consists of heavier and sturdier stones at the base and lighter materials, like pumice, were used gradually towards the top of the dome.
Getting to the Pantheon
As we mentioned earlier, the Pantheon sits in the heart of Rome near to many other attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. So as you’re walking about the city, it’s easy to reach on foot.
Rome has a convenient public transport system if you’re coming from further away. The nearest Metro stops to the Pantheon are Barberini and Spagna along line A – both about a 15min walk away. You can also take tram Line 8 to the Venezia stop about a 10min walk away. Additionally, buses 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87, and more run to the Torre Argentina stop about 5mins away. Buses 51, 62, 63, 83, 85, 119, 160, and more run to the Corso/Minghetti stop about a 5min walk away. Buses 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and more run to the Senato stop also about a 5min walk away. To check schedules, routes, etc., visit the Rome transport website.
Lastly, you can take a taxi to the Pantheon. This is the most expensive option but the best if you don’t want to or are unable to make the walk there from the transit stops. There are various taxi stands around the city, or you can download apps like FreeNow or itTaxi to call a ride. There is also Uber, but it is not as common, and they supposedly have a partnership with taxi companies, so you may be sent a taxi anyway unless you pay extra for other Uber services, like Uber Lux. We didn’t use any taxis or rideshares while in Rome, so we aren’t totally familiar with that mode of transport here.
Hours and Regulations
The Pantheon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the last entry permitted 30 minutes before closing. Hours may vary depending on holidays and events, so check the webpage for updates.
The audio guide desk operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Keep that in mind if you want an audio guide as these hours are more restricted than the general opening hours.
You can bring water into the Pantheon, but other food and drink are not permitted. The bag restrictions aren’t as strict as some other sites, but you may not be permitted to enter with oversized backpacks or bags. Like many churches, you must be wearing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to enter.
Pantheon Tickets and Fees
When we visited the Pantheon, they had just begun requiring tickets to enter the building within the past year. We showed up and bought our tickets at the entrance. It was February (off-season) and we arrived when it opened, and there was no line at all. If you visit around summer or later in the day, you may have to wait in line a long while to buy a ticket if you don’t buy one online in advance. Your entry also isn’t guaranteed if tickets are sold out.
Tickets on site cost €5 per adult, not including an audio guide. We’d recommend bringing cash and card because there were separate lines for the different payment methods. You can pick whichever one is shorter.
When purchasing tickets online, the prices start at €15 per adult, which includes the entry fee and an audio guide. You’ll reserve your date and time slot during booking. There are also options to book a tour for €25.50 and tickets with an audio guide and paper guide for €19.50. There isn’t the option to purchase the €5 ticket without an audio guide online.
When you purchase tickets online, you must go to the OhMyGuide store to pick up your tickets. Make sure you give yourself time to pick them up and arrive at the Pantheon entrance for your reserved time slot. Even with the pre-purchased ticket, you may have to wait in line with those who have also booked in advance. Also note the OhMyGuide hours for pickup when booking.
The first Sunday of each month, entry to the Pantheon is free.
Visiting the Pantheon
We arrived at the Pantheon on a chilly February morning. We had a short while before it opened, so we walked around the outside. The massive building is impressive from the outside, but the ornate details on the inside are even more so.
We bought our tickets from the machine out front upon the Pantheon opening and walked through the huge front doors. The towering dome is truly incredible to see and it looked even bigger in person than we had imagined. It’s awe-inspiring to think of something so grand and perfect being built in ancient eras and withstanding the test of time for us to admire it today. All around the interior are details in the colors and carvings in the marble. You can also see the tombs of the famous figures laid to rest here. There are a few informational signs around.
We spent probably around 30 minutes inside admiring all the details before heading out. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just looking to see the Rome highlights, the Pantheon should be on your list!
Pantheon Tours
Tours are available to book online in a few different languages. These provide a little deeper of a look into the Pantheon than the audio guide and last 45-50mins. If you’re interested in a tour, we’d definitely recommend booking online in advance to secure your spot.
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