The Roman Pantheon began as a temple to celebrate the ancient pagan gods. Its history is in fact different from the Pantheon in Paris, inspired by the one in Rome but dating back to the Neoclassical period, initially built as a church and then becoming a symbol of military prowess after the French Revolution. To visit the Pantheon in Rome you need an entrance ticket, which is definitely worth buying.
What to know about the Pantheon
Built around AD 118-125 at the behest of Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon in Rome replaced an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa. Originally conceived as a temple dedicated to all gods, the Pantheon underwent an extraordinary transformation over the centuries, becoming a Christian church in 609 AD, dedicated to Santa Maria ad Martyres. This transition not only saved the building from destruction during the Middle Ages, but also allowed the Pantheon to continue to be a living place: religious services are still held in the building today.
One of the Pantheon’s most fascinating features is undoubtedly its dome, one of the largest made of frameless concrete. In the centre of the dome is the oculus, a circular opening that is not only a source of natural light, but also a symbolic link between the temple and the sky. It is incredible to think that through this oculus, rain and sunlight freely enter, creating a unique natural spectacle within the building.
Inside the Pantheon, you will also find yourself surrounded by funerary monuments of illustrious personalities, including the kings of Italy and artists Raphael Sanzio and Annibale Carracci. This presence adds a further layer of historical and cultural significance to this architectural masterpiece.
How to visit the Pantheon in Rome?
Unlike in the past, access to the Pantheon in Rome requires the purchase of a ticket. The ‘Fast Track’ formula for the ticket is a great way to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry. This special ticket can be purchased online and exchanged for a voucher at the tourist office, which is about a 5-minute walk away in Piazza Navona.
Not only does this give you quick access to the monument, it also includes a detailed audio guide to the Pantheon, lasting over half an hour, which will reveal the secrets and hidden stories of this incredible place. In addition, you will receive an audio bonus to explore Rome’s piazzas and fountains, enriching your cultural experience in the Eternal City.
With this type of ticket you can enter the Pantheon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and until 3 p.m. on Saturdays, while visits are not possible on Sundays. Reservations can be cancelled or rescheduled up to 24 hours before entry. Accessibility is also guaranteed for wheelchair users. For your visit, please bear in mind that the Pantheon is a place of worship, so appropriate clothing is necessary: avoid shorts and sleeveless clothing.
If you want an even more complete experience, you can opt for a guided tour of the Pantheon with a professional guide. These tours, lasting about 40 minutes, start from outside the monument and are the ideal opportunity to ask questions and discover lesser-known aspects of the Pantheon. These tickets also offer the possibility of cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit.