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Paris Toolkit Visiting the Pantheon in Rome
Opening hours, getting to the Pantheon, professional walking tours
The Pantheon in Rome is the most complete ancient building (125 AD) in Rome and one of the city's most spectacular sights.
Unfortunately, the Pantheon has recently become a ticket only venue. Previously you could wander in and spend time marvelling at this beautiful building and watch the light fall through the oculus. Now you can only enter with a ticket. It is in our view a shame and will remove the Pantheon from many people's free things to do in Rome list, but it is probably in response to increased tourism levels.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance (link below). The ticket includes entry and an audio guide on your phone. Downloading the audio guide ahead of time can save you with spotty Wi-Fi and mobile signals within the Pantheon itself.
This page covers the practical information you need to know, such as details of how to get to the Pantheon, tickets, opening hours and walks as well as professional tours.
The Pantheon is in the heart of the Ancient City of Rome, fed by a few narrow lanes. The Piazza della Rotonda is a lively square filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants in front of the Pantheon; often live bands perform here.
Pantheon Tickets
PANTHEON ENTRY TICKETS
• Pantheon tickets & audio guide • Fast-track entry • Estimated time needed 1-hr.
What is there to see at the Pantheon?
The Pantheon is widely praised for its feats of architecture and concept of space. At 43m (142 ft) wide and 43m (142 ft) high, it is a perfect sphere resting in a cylinder. For the layman wandering into the Pantheon, the first instinct is to look upwards at the Dome.
The oculus, the only source of natural light in the Pantheon, is a round opening in the centre of the dome. It is 27 feet in diameter and open to the sky (the floor is gently sloped to allow for runoff of rainwater).
Once you start to look around you, you are taken in by the opulence. Monumental tombs are set into the walls of Pantheon, including that of the artist Raphael (on the left side as you enter).
There are requests and signs for silence at all times while you are in this religious place. You are allowed to take photos.
Brief history of the Pantheon, Rome
Until the 20th century, the Pantheon was the largest concrete structure in the world. Michelangelo studied its great dome before starting work on the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Dating from 125 AD, this is the most complete ancient building in Rome and one of the city's most spectacular sights.
Before the Pantheon we see today there were two previous buildings on the site – both unfortunately succumbed to fire. The original building was erected between 25-27 BC, the time of Augustus, first Roman Emperor.
However in 80 AD, there was a huge fire. It is thought that the façade may be the only thing left from the Augustan Pantheon. The Pantheon was rebuilt by the Emperor Domitian but it was then burnt again in 110 AD, when hit by the lightning. The third Pantheon (and current) is believed to have been built during Hadrian’s time between 118-125 AD.
The Pantheon is the burial place of several important Italians (including the artist Raphael), and it remains an active church (since 609). It is a major tourist destination and a popular place for weddings.
Opening hours, how long you will need, entrance charges & audio guides at the Pantheon
Pantheon opening hours
Monday-Saturday: 9am- 7.15pm
Sunday: 9am – 5.45pm
Public holidays: 9am – 12.45pm
The Pantheon is closed on some national holidays and if a mass is taking place.
How long will I need to see the Pantheon?
There is a wide variance in how long people will typically take to visit the Pantheon. The average tourist, probably no more than 20 minutes, some will literally be in and out in five minutes while at the other extreme others may spend an hour. If you are short on time as most visitors are to Rome, it's an ideal place to visit in the evening perhaps before finding a nice restaurant close by. With the advent of ticket entry, you will probably want to stay for the hour recommended, so you feel you are getting the best value.
Is there a charge for entrance/ admission?
Yes, the Pantheon became a ticket venue (for tourists only) in July 2023; adults costing €5 (2024 prices).
The Pantheon is free to Rome residents, worshippers, disabled people and their carers, and people under 18.
Audio guides and guide books at Pantheon, Rome
The Pantheon is not big and it might not take you very long to look around, however to get the most out of your experience it might be worth considering hiring an audio guide. There is a desk inside where you can hire them for a few Euros.
You can also download many different mobile apps for free. The app supports Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese and Chinese.
You can also purchase from inside a guide book for around €6 and other souvenirs.
Getting to the Pantheon
The narrow streets of Ancient Rome where you find the Pantheon are far too narrow for buses. All the popular hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses have a stop a few minutes walk away also providing access to the Piazza Navona.
There is no Metro station nearby. By bus, the Piazza Argentina is on the route of many buses including the very frequent 40, 60 and 64 buses that shuttle between the Vatican, the centre of the city and then on up to wards Termini Station.
Free self-guided walks Trevi Fountain to/from Piazza Navona via the Pantheon
Walking is the best (only) way of getting around really. Most visitors will amble to wards the Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona, (both signposted). A classic Rome walk is to start at the Spanish Steps and end at Piazza Navona visiting the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon on the way.
Free self-guided walk - Spanish Steps to/from Trevi Fountain
Free self-guided walk - Trevi Fountain to/from Piazza Navona via the Pantheon
Professional walking tours that take in the Pantheon
On these 2- 2.5 hour walking tours your guide will journey you through the essential places in historic centre of Rome, including the Trevi Fountain, Rome Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona.
The second tour also gives you the option to upgrade to include a tour of the Colosseum and other Ancient Rome sites beforehand.
Your guide will inspire you with entertaining stories to give you a deeper knowledge of the ancient Rome you came here to learn about.
BEST OF ROME WALKING TOUR
• Visit Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain • 2-hour walking tour • Led by local guide • End at dinner time in Piazza Navona, lined with restaurants and cafés
ANCIENT ROME WALKING TOUR
• Visit Spanish steps, Trevi, Piazza Navona and Pantheon • Small group tour • Led by local guide • Enjoy a home-made Italian gelato/ cappuccino/hot chocolate • Option to add on Colosseum/ Roman Forum + Palatine Hill
Hotels near the Pantheon
For a selection of recommended hotels near the Pantheon see our dedicated page.
Hotels near the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain
MOST POPULAR ROME TOURS 2024
