Frequently Asked Questions about the Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pantheon in Rome

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Pantheon in Rome on this page. To enhance your experience, we’ve categorized them, addressing inquiries about the interior, as well as delving into the rich history and architecture of this remarkable structure.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Interior

Inside the Pantheon in Rome, discover essential sights and hidden treasures. Must-see attractions include the iconic Oculus, a 9-meter circular opening flooding natural light, the largest unreinforced concrete dome, an impressive portico with 16 granite columns, the inner sanctum cella with tombs of famous Italians, and notable features like the Altar of the Assumption and the Baldacchino.

>> Read more: Inside the Pantheon

While previously accessible at no cost, as of July 3, 2023, visitors to the Pantheon in Rome now need to purchase tickets to access the iconic ancient temple. It’s recommended for visitors to purchase tickets in advance.

>> Explore our handpicked selection and choose the best ticket for a seamless experience.

Absolutely, it’s worth going inside the Pantheon in Rome. The interior boasts remarkable architecture, including the iconic dome and the oculus, creating a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The Pantheon is a well-preserved ancient structure that offers a glimpse into Rome’s rich history.

The Pantheon in Rome serves as a burial place for several notable individuals. Among them are:

> Raphael: The renowned Italian painter and architect, Raphael, known for his contributions to the High Renaissance, is buried in the Pantheon.
> King Vittorio Emanuele II: The first king of a unified Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II, is also interred in the Pantheon.
> King Umberto I: Another Italian monarch, King Umberto I, is buried in the Pantheon.
> Queen Margherita: The queen consort of Italy and wife of King Umberto I, Queen Margherita, is also laid to rest in the Pantheon.

The Pantheon in Rome does not have a strict dress code. However, it is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious and historical sites in Italy. While there may not be specific regulations, visitors are generally encouraged to avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing, such as shorts, sleeveless tops and hats. Keep in mind that these recommendations are based on cultural norms and a sense of respect for the historical and religious significance of the site.

Frequently Asked Questions about the History & Architecture

The construction of the Pantheon in Rome began in 118 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The Pantheon replaced an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 B.C., which was subsequently damaged by a fire. The new structure, dedicated to all the gods, was completed and inaugurated by Hadrian around 125 A.D. Therefore, as of the current year, the Pantheon is over 1,900 years old, making it one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and a remarkable testament to ancient engineering and architectural prowess.

The Pantheon’s oculus, an open hole at the center of its dome, allows rain to enter the building. However, the floor of the Pantheon is gently sloped and equipped with drainage channels to manage rainwater. The design of the Pantheon incorporates this intentional drainage system to prevent flooding. Visitors may observe rain falling through the oculus, creating a captivating and atmospheric effect within the interior of the monument. This ingenious architectural feature showcases the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Romans while adding a unique dimension to the Pantheon’s overall experience.

There is generally no public access to the roof of the Pantheon in Rome. Visitors can explore the interior of the Pantheon, including its iconic dome and the oculus that allows natural light to enter, but rooftop access is restricted.

The oculus in the Pantheon serves both practical and symbolic purposes.
> Practical Purpose: The oculus, a large, open hole in the center of the dome, functions as a source of natural light. It allows sunlight to enter the Pantheon’s interior, illuminating the space in a unique way. The oculus is positioned at the apex of the dome, and its size and position are carefully calculated to optimize the diffusion of light throughout the day.
> Symbolic Purpose: It is often interpreted as a representation of the sun or the eye of the heavens, connecting the earthly realm of the Pantheon’s interior with the celestial world above. This symbolism aligns with the temple’s original dedication to all the gods and reflects the ancient Roman understanding of the divine. The oculus also contributes to the sense of grandeur and openness within the Pantheon’s design.

The Pantheon’s dome remains standing through a combination of innovative architectural design and materials. Constructed with a mix of concrete, pozzolan, and lime, the dome gradually reduces in thickness from the base to the oculus. Hidden structural elements, including relieving arches, distribute the weight, enabling this ancient marvel to endure for over 1,900 years.

What are the highlights of the Pantheon?
The Oculus: Central opening providing natural light.
The Dome: World’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
The Portico: Entrance supported by massive granite columns.
The Cella: Main chamber housing religious artifacts.
The Tombs: Final resting place of notable figures.
The Altar of the Assumption: Dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s assumption.
The Baldacchino: Ornate canopy over the high altar.
What happened to the original doors of the Pantheon?

In 1625, Pope Urban VIII sparked controversy by melting down an estimated 450 tons of bronze tiles from the Pantheon’s dome and portico to forge cannons for Castel Sant’Angelo. This event, possibly coinciding with the melting of the original colossal bronze doors, led to the destruction of valuable artworks and severed a tangible connection to the temple’s Roman heritage.

Book Pantheon Rome Tickets & Tours

Explore below your Pantheon Rome ticket options and pick from the finest selection:

Rome: Pantheon Official Audio Guide with Fast Track Ticket

4.2

8.588 Reviews

From €5

GetYourGuide

Reserve Now, Pay Later
Audio Guide Included
Duration 35 Minutes – 1 Hour
Wheelchair Accessible
Free Cancellation

I am so glad we paid for the audio tour of the Pantheon as it was very informative & interesting.

See Reviews

Check Availability

Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of the Pantheon

4.3

921 Reviews

From €25

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Fast Track Entry To The Pantheon
1-Hour Guided Tour
Free Cancellation

I like a tour guide who can give me background information about what I am seeing.

See Reviews

Check Availability

Castel St Angelo Entry & Pantheon AG

4.3

6.021 Reviews

From €32.30

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Access To Pantheon & Castel Sant’angelo
Pantheon Audio Guide
Free cancellation

Everything worked out great, we were able to exchange the codes for normal tickets without any problems and without standing in line.

See Reviews

Check Availability

Combo (Save 5%): Borghese Gallery + Roman Pantheon Tickets

4.1

3.901 Reviews

From €41.80

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Access To Pantheon & Borghese Gallery
Pantheon Audio Guide
Free Cancellation

It was really easy to book! Express line was extremely quick and getting the audio guide at the pantheon was easy as well! Worth every penny!

See Reviews

Check Availability

Rome: Pantheon Official Audio Guide with Fast Track Ticket

8.588 Reviews

Step into the marvel of the Pantheon with this exclusive ticket, offering skip-the-line access to this architectural gem. The Pantheon, a masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Roman design. This well-preserved temple, dedicated to all the gods, boasts a breathtaking dome and an open oculus, allowing natural light to cascade onto its remarkable interior. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pantheon’s historical and cultural significance is globally recognized. Immerse yourself in its rich history with a multilingual audio guide, available in nine languages, and contribute to the preservation of Rome’s heritage through donations to the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres.

Skip-the-line Access To Pantheon (If Option Selected)
Pantheon Audio Guide In 9 Languages
Multilingual Host
Donations To The Basilica Of Santa Maria Ad Martyres

Meeting Point: Bookshop of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, 6A, 00186 Roma
Pick up your ticket at the bookshop in the portico of the basilica and go to the Pantheon. Then, get your audio guide at the desk inside the Pantheon.

Starting Time: Please select your preferred, 30-minute time slot for entry.

Duration: 1 hour

5* GetYourGuide traveler – Germany, November 8, 2023 – Verified booking

I am so glad we paid for the audio tour of the Pantheon as it was very informative & interesting. You can listen & read along to what is being said. I don’t think you would get to know the history of the building without the audio guide. It was very helpful to listen along whilst you were inside. Great value for money.

5* Alberto Antonio – Argentina, November 9, 2023 – Verified booking

Very good!!!! The audio guide is an excellent help!!!!

From €5

Check Availability

GetYourGuide

Reserve Now, Pay Later
Audio Guide Included
Duration 35 Minutes – 1 Hour
Wheelchair Accessible
Free Cancellation

Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of the Pantheon

921 Reviews

Introducing this exclusive Pantheon ticket, your gateway to an architectural masterpiece. The Pantheon, a renowned ancient Roman temple, showcases unparalleled engineering brilliance with its iconic dome and open oculus. Serving as a symbol of Roman innovation, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you to explore its grandeur. With this fast-track entry, embark on a 1-hour guided tour led by a professional guide fluent in English, French, Spanish, or Italian. Enhance your experience with a city map and audio guide, available for download in 6 languages, and delve deeper into Ancient Rome with a captivating 25-minute multimedia video. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and architectural marvels.

Fast Track Entry To Pantheon
1-hour Guided Tour
English-, French-, Spanish-, Or Italian-speaking Guide
Wi-fi At The Meeting Point
Touristation Assistance
City Map & Audio Guide In 6 Languages To Download At Any Touristation Point
25-minute Ancient Rome Multimedia Video At The Touristation Office

Meeting point: Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

Starting time: 12 PM, 2 PM

Duration: 1 hour

5* Laylee, Jul, 2023

I like a tour guide who can give me background information about what I am seeing. Our guide did a great job of sharing the history and making it interesting.

5* Robert, Apr, 2022

Joe (I believe was his name) was an amazing tour guide. He spoke loud and clear, kept us all together, knowledgeable and informative, funny and entertaining. He sounds exactly like Sameuel L. Jackson when he talks which in a weird way made it even more entertaining.

From €25

Check Availability

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Fast Track Entry To The Pantheon
1-Hour Guided Tour
Free Cancellation

Castel St Angelo Entry & Pantheon AG

6.021 Reviews

Experience Roman architecture with this combo ticket: Pantheon with Audio Guide and Castel Sant’Angelo. Discover the awe-inspiring Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple, renowned for its iconic dome and open oculus. Then, delve into the rich history of Castel Sant’Angelo, a multifaceted fortress and papal residence offering panoramic views of the city. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage treasures, inviting you to explore the architectural marvels and cultural significance that define Rome’s legacy. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive journey through the heart of the Eternal City.

Access To Pantheon
Pantheon Audio Guide
Access To Castel Sant’angelo

Meeting Point: Redeem your tickets right at the entrances to the monuments.
Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma
Castel Sant’Angelo, Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma

Starting Time: Enter anytime between 9 am and 7:30 pm

Duration: 2 – 3 Hours

5* Francesca, Nov, 2023

Wonderful site architecturally and historically. The maintenance turns out to be impeccable. Despite the large number of tourists, the visit was very pleasant and I was not affected by the large number of visitors. The staff turns out to be well trained and organized. There was no waiting and in case of inquiries I received detailed and accurate answers.

5* Kim-aglaija, Nov, 2023

Everything worked out great, we were able to exchange the codes for normal tickets without any problems and without standing in line. I thought it was great that you could choose at what time you wanted to go to the Castel Sant’Angelo through the flexible tickets.

From €32.30

Check Availability

Headout

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Access To Pantheon & Castel Sant’angelo
Pantheon Audio Guide
Free cancellation

Combo (Save 5%): Borghese Gallery + Roman Pantheon Tickets

3.901 Reviews

Uncover the splendors of Rome with this combo ticket: Pantheon with Audio Guide + Borghese Gallery. Marvel at the Pantheon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing ancient Roman architectural brilliance. Then, venture into the Borghese Gallery, a prestigious art museum housed in a lavish villa. Explore its exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiquities, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Immerse yourself in the cultural riches of both landmarks, offering a seamless blend of history, art, and architectural wonders.

Access To Pantheon
Pantheon Audio Guide
Access To Borghese Gallery

Meeting Point: Redeem your tickets right at the entrances to the monuments.
Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma
Museo e Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma

Starting Time: Please choose your preferred time slot for entry.

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

5* Melanie, Oct, 2023

It was really easy to book! Express line was extremely quick and getting the audio guide at the pantheon was easy as well! Worth every penny!

5* Thomas, Oct, 2023

Loved being able to pause & restart the audio whenever we wanted. The additional pictures along with text made the tour easy to follow as well.

From €41.80

Check Availability

Headout