The Pantheon has stood almost intact for nearly 1,900 years because it was turned into a church. Under its vast dome, lit only by the round oculus, are the tombs of the painter Raphael and of two kings of Italy. It faces the busy Piazza della Rotonda.
A perfect hemisphere 43 metres across, coffered to reduce weight, with an 8-metre hole at the crown that is the only light source and lets in rain.
Coloured marble floors and walls, niches that once held statues of gods, and the tomb of Raphael with its Latin epitaph.
Sixteen granite columns brought from Egypt, and the inscription crediting Marcus Agrippa's original temple on the site.
Since 2023 there is a small timed entry fee, with reduced or free entry for under-18s and on some Sundays, and free entry for those attending Mass. Book online to skip the piazza queue. It remains a working church, so visits pause during services. Confirm current prices and hours.
The on-the-day queue across Piazza della Rotonda can be long. A cheap timed ticket bought online avoids it.
First entry and the last hour are quietest. A rain shower is worth catching for the column of water falling through the oculus.
Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza di Sant'Ignazio are all within a few minutes on foot.
Is the Pantheon free?
No longer. Since 2023 there is a small entry fee, with exemptions for under-18s, some Sundays, and people attending Mass.
Do I need to book ahead?
It is not essential, but a timed online ticket lets you skip what can be a long queue on the piazza.
Why is there a hole in the roof?
The oculus is original and deliberate. It lights the interior and, structurally, reduces the weight at the top of the dome. Rain falls straight through and drains from the floor.
How long does a visit take?
Most people spend 20 to 40 minutes inside.
The first Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa around 27 BC. After fires, the emperor Hadrian rebuilt it around 126 AD in the domed form seen today, keeping Agrippa's name on the front.
In 609 AD it was consecrated as the church of Santa Maria ad Martyres, which is why it survived where other ancient temples were quarried for stone. It is still a functioning church and a national monument.
This page is an independent guide for visitors, covering the church and the Italian heritage authorities.
