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Are you planning a trip to Rome? Between the Colosseum, the Palatine and the basilicas, you’re spoiled for choice. But I’d advise you to add one more to your list: the Pantheon.

Find out why and all the information you need to visit in this article.

Rome’s Pantheon: an architectural and historical masterpiece

The history of Rome’s Pantheon is a veritable odyssey through time.

Considered the best-preserved monument of antiquity, it is a true architectural masterpiece.

interior dome pantheon
The interior of the Pantheon is majestic.

Built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome, it has survived almost two millennia and seen many uses, even becoming a church in the 7th century.

The Pantheon impresses with its imposing façade, Corinthian columns and dedication to the emperor Hadrian. When you arrive at the foot of the Pantheon, your first impression is one of surprise. It’s really big.

columns pantheon rome
Tall columns mark the entrance to the Pantheon.

But the real spectacle begins when you step through the door. The incredible dome, with its circular opening or “oculus,” is a technical feat that still defies the laws of architecture.

 

Highlights of a visit to the Pantheon

  • The impressive architecture of the dome: a true technical feat.
  • The tomb of Raphael: one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
  • The oculus: a unique light show.
  • Free admission: a rarity for a monument of this importance.
  • The serene atmosphere: despite the flood of tourists, the size of the Pantheon makes for a calm atmosphere.

Disadvantages of visiting the Pantheon

  • The high number of tourists spoils the visit a little in summer.
  • No audio guide or detailed explanatory panels inside.
  • Waiting outside is done on a shadeless square.

 

What can you see in the Roman Pantheon?

A visit to Rome’s Pantheon is a true immersion in history.

Inside, you admire the magnificent dome with its open oculus that lets in daylight. This makes the interior of the Pantheon much brighter than you might imagine before entering.

light pantheon rome
Thanks to this opening, light enters the Pantheon.

The walls of the Pantheon house the tombs of illustrious personalities, including Raphael, one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance. There are also the tombs of two Italian kings and Queen Margherita.

Works of art not to be missed including Lorenzetto’s “Madonna del Sasso,” a statue commissioned by Raphael himself for his own tomb.

And don’t miss the chance to soak up the serene, sacred atmosphere inside the Pantheon.

Take time to observe the beauty of the architectural details and let your imagination transport you back to the days of ancient Rome.

 

How much does admission to the Pantheon cost?

The Pantheon is free! It’s a real pleasure to be able to visit such places without financial constraints.

For a more complete visit, you can pay extra for an audio tour or guided tours.
Check out the current price on GetyourGuide.
 

How long does it take to visit the Pantheon in Rome?

A complete visit to Rome’s Pantheon usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.

This time does not include the wait before entering the building. In busy periods, this wait can exceed an hour… I therefore advise you to arrive early in the morning, or to visit outside the vacation and summer periods.

tourists pantheon rome
In summer, many tourists want to visit the Pantheon.

 

Where is the Italian Pantheon located?

The Pantheon is in the heart of Rome, in the historic Pigna district.

The exact address of the Pantheon is Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma.

How to go to the Pantheon?

By car, you can reach the Pantheon via Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main thoroughfares. However, parking can be difficult in this busy area.

By public transport, you can take the bus to the “Argentina” stop, just a few minutes’ walk from the Pantheon.

Bus routes 30, 40, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 130F, 190F, 492, 628, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N15, N20 pass through this stop.

 

What are the Pantheon’s opening hours?

The Pantheon is open every day from 9a.m. to 7p.m. The only closing days are January 1, August 15 and December 25.

The last entry is possible until 6:30 p.m.

 Opinions on Rome’s Pantheon: is it a good visit?

As a big fan of Rome, I can tell you that this city is overflowing with architectural marvels. I’m French, and I much prefer Rome… to Paris!

The Pantheon, with its ancient charm and rich history, has a special place in my list of Roman visits. I was greeted by a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the noise and the square I’d just left.

Its imposing dome and circular opening (or oculus) that lets in daylight captivated me. The colorful marble floor, worn by time, the walls covered with commemorative plaques, everything is designed to tell the story of Roman history.

One of my favorite things about the Pantheon was undoubtedly Raphael’s tomb. Knowing his work and influence in the art world, standing there, in front of his final resting place, was a strange and respectful feeling.

And what about free admission for a monument of this caliber? I was astonished to learn that access was free. A real gift from the Municipality of Rome to tourists! It’s quite rare to find free historical gems to visit these days. In Paris, we had to pay almost €30 to enter the French Pantheon.

The only downside of my visit was the long wait in the sunny square to enter the Pantheon. Waiting in the sun can be exhausting, especially in the summer months. So, a word of advice: wear a hat and bring water if you plan to visit at this time of year.

What else can you do near Rome’s Pantheon?

Around the Pantheon, you can

  • Stroll around Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares
  • Visit the church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, with its incredible trompe-l’oeil frescoes
  • Discover the Trevi Fountain, another symbol of the Eternal City
  • Visit Palazzo Altemps, an often-overlooked museum of ancient art
  • Enjoy a gourmet break at Gelateria Della Palma, offering over 150 flavors of ice cream.
  • Admire the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva and its elephant statue by Bernini
  • Visit Largo di Torre Argentina, an archaeological site that also houses a cat sanctuary
  • Discover Piazza della Rotonda, a lively square with a beautiful fountain at its center.

 

DenisDenis
As a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!