How to Visit the Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon is a temple located in what was the heart of ancient Rome in an area known as the Campo Marzio, or Field of Mars.

It’s generally considered that the Pantheon was dedicated to all the Roman gods – Pantheon means ‘all gods’ in Greek, and the building was originally decorated with statues representing the greatest gods of Roman religion. Whether the Pantheon was explicitly dedicated to the entirety of the Roman deities remains uncertain, however.

Whatever its original function, the Pantheon is the best preserved ancient building in Rome to have survived since antiquity, and is renowned for its massive dome. Remarkably, it remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world to this day almost 2,000 years after its construction.

After the fall of the Roman Empire the temple was converted into a Christian church known as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs. The building’s status as a Christian house of worship saved it from the plunder and neglect that befell so many other ancient Roman structures, and masses are still held inside.

Its most famous feature is its dome: the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built, spanning 43.3 metres — a record it has held since 125 AD and which no architect has since surpassed. The building has inspired a line of architectural successors stretching from Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence to the Panthéon in Paris to the United States Capitol in Washington.

It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience stepping into this ancient marvel, and is without question one of Rome’s must-visit sites.

The Pantheon has a layered building history. The first temple on this site was commissioned by the general and statesman Marcus Agrippa around 25 BC — his name is still inscribed proudly on the portico today.

This original structure burned down in 80 AD, was rebuilt under Domitian, and was then destroyed again in 110 AD after being struck by lightning.

The magnificent building we visit today was commissioned entirely anew by the Emperor Hadrian around 125 AD. Most scholars believe it was designed by Hadrian’s brilliant court architect Apollodorus of Damascus.

In an act of respectful homage, Hadrian retained Agrippa’s original inscription rather than claiming credit for himself — a modesty that led to centuries of confusion about the building’s true authorship.

The hole in the roof of the Pantheon is known as the oculus (Latin for eye) and serves several purposes. Firstly, the most important function of the oculus is a structural one: ensuring the structural integrity of the Pantheon’s massive concrete roof was a huge challenge for Rome’s ancient engineers, and the usage of the oculus dramatically reduced the weight that the building had to bear.

Secondly, the oculus provides the principal source of natural light illuminating the Pantheon’s interior. As the sun moves across the sky, the quality of light inside the temple changes dramatically, offering intriguing modulations of light and shadow that only adds to the Pantheon’s aura. Despite being open to the elements, the floor of the Pantheon is slightly sloped and features drainage holes to manage rainwater effectively.

It’s also been theorized that the oculus further served as a kind of massive sundial marking the passage of the hours, as well as illuminating the Pantheon’s doorway on the occasion of Rome’s birthday every year – April 21st. Scholars believe this was deliberate: an emperor arriving at this precise moment would have been bathed in divine light, connecting him symbolically to the celestial realm.

After the fall of the Roman empire, when the engineering knowhow of the ancients had been lost, a pious legend sprang up that claimed the oculus was created by pagan demons fleeing the building when it was converted into a Christian church in the 7th century AD.

The Pantheon rewards deeper knowledge. Its dome, its history, the significance of the tombs, the stories behind the building’s survival — all of this is easy to miss on an independent visit.

Walking in alone and gazing up at the dome is, of course, breathtaking; but understanding how it was built, why it has survived when so much else did not, and who is buried here adds an entirely new dimension to the experience.

Through Eternity offers small group tours of the Pantheon with priority entrance, as well as private itineraries combining the Pantheon with other highlights of Rome’s historic centre. A guided tour also eliminates any ticketing headaches, particularly during the busy summer months.

The Pantheon is located right in the historic center of Rome, so in most cases it makes sense to walk there if you find yourself already downtown. If you’re coming from further afield, such as from Termini Station, then you can take a bus.

• The 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87 and 492 lines all stop at Largo di Torre Argentina, which is a 5-minute walk from the Pantheon.
• If you’d like to take the metro then the nearest stops are Barberini and Spagna on the A line. From either of these stations it’s a lovely 15-20 minute stroll right through the historic center and past some of the city’s greatest landmarks, like the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

Lots! For starters take a look at the 16 massive columns that hold up the temple’s portico. Amazingly, these 40-foot-tall granite columns were quarried in Africa and brought all the way to Rome in single monoliths.

Then have a gander at the equally gargantuan bronze doors that lead into the temple: these are the oldest bronze doors in the world – the lock itself is also almost 2,000 years old! Despite their enormous weight, the doors are so well-designed that they can be easily pushed open by a single person.

Once inside, gaze up at the oculus opening that pierces the roof. The ceiling is studded with a series of hollowed out indents known as coffers. In addition to being very beautiful, the coffers also helped to lighten the dome’s massive weight: it’s estimated that they helped to make the dome 550,000 pounds lighter!

You’ll also want to look out for the tombs dotted about the Pantheon’s interior. Amongst the luminaries buried here are the great painter Raphael, whose dying wish it was for him to be interred in his favorite building. Here too are the first two kings of a united Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II and King Umberto 1, alongside his wife Queen Margherita of Savoy – the woman who gave her name to the iconic Pizza Margherita.

For a complete guide to what you need to see in the Pantheon, check out our dedicated guide here:

Can I visit the Pantheon for free?

Yes — on the first Sunday of each month, entry is free for everyone. Free tickets are distributed on site on the day. Be aware that these sessions can be very crowded.

How long should I spend at the Pantheon?

Most independent visitors spend around 30 minutes in the building.

Is the Pantheon wheelchair accessible?

The Pantheon is largely accessible; the main floor is level with the entrance, with no steps to navigate once inside. The entrance does have a small threshold. Contact the monument directly or check the official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.

What is the Pantheon’s official name?

It is officially called the Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres — the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Martyrs — following its consecration as a Christian church in 609 AD. It has been known informally as “the Pantheon” throughout its history.

Are there toilets at the Pantheon?

There are no public toilets inside the Pantheon itself. The nearest public facilities are a short walk away; cafes and restaurants in the surrounding will allow you to use their facilities if you purchase something, even if it’s only a coffee.