The Pantheon in Rome is the best-preserved building from the ancient city, a temple turned church whose huge concrete dome has stood for close to nineteen centuries. Standing under the open oculus of the Pantheon is one of the simplest and most memorable experiences in Rome, and the building sits in the middle of the historic centre, a short walk from Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.
Why visit the Pantheon
The building you see today was rebuilt under the emperor Hadrian in the second century AD, although the inscription across the front still credits Marcus Agrippa, who built an earlier temple on the site. It was consecrated as a Christian church in the seventh century, which is a large part of why it survived so well. It is still a functioning church, and masses are held here.
The dome is the star. It remained the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world for centuries, and the round opening at its top, the oculus, is the only source of natural light. On sunny days a disc of light moves slowly around the interior, and when it rains, water falls straight through onto the marble floor, which has small drainage holes to carry it away.
Getting to the Pantheon Rome by metro
Rome's metro does not run through the historic centre, so no station is right next to the Pantheon. The most practical stop is Spagna on Line A, at the Spanish Steps. From there it is a walk of roughly 15 to 20 minutes through the old streets, passing close to the Trevi Fountain or along Via del Corso. Barberini, also on Line A, is a similar distance and also convenient if you want to stop at the Trevi Fountain on the way.
- Several city bus routes stop around Largo di Torre Argentina and Via del Corso, both a few minutes' walk from the Pantheon.
- The streets around Piazza della Rotonda are cobbled and largely pedestrianised, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Metro tickets and contactless cards work across Line A; validate paper tickets at the gates.
Pantheon tickets and opening hours
For many years the Pantheon was free to enter. Since 2023 most visitors pay a modest entrance fee, with some categories such as young visitors and Rome residents able to enter free, and access remains free for people attending mass. Tickets can be bought on site or booked in advance for a timed entry, which is worth doing in high season. Check the official ticketing information from Italy's Ministry of Culture for current prices, free-entry rules and opening hours, as these have changed more than once.
The Pantheon is a church, so dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered is a sensible rule. Visiting may be restricted during services and on some religious holidays.
What to look for inside
The oculus and the dome
Stand in the centre and look straight up. The coffered ceiling gets smaller towards the top, which makes the dome seem even higher than it is.
Raphael's tomb
The Renaissance painter Raphael is buried here, in a niche on the left side as you face the altar. Flowers are often left by visitors.
The royal tombs
Two of Italy's kings, Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, are also buried in the Pantheon, along with Queen Margherita.
The portico and bronze doors
Before going in, take a moment under the portico with its massive granite columns. The great bronze doors are among the oldest in Rome still in use.
Best time to visit and how long
The Pantheon is busiest from late morning to late afternoon, especially in spring and summer. Come right at opening on a weekday for the calmest visit and the best chance of standing under the oculus without a crowd. A rainy day is also memorable, if you do not mind getting a little wet near the centre.
Most people spend 30 to 45 minutes inside. Allow longer if you want to sit in Piazza della Rotonda afterwards, with the fountain and its obelisk in front of the portico.
Nearby in the same area
The walk from Spagna or Barberini passes many of central Rome's best-known sights, and more are close to the Pantheon itself:
- Santa Maria sopra Minerva: just behind the Pantheon, with Bernini's small elephant obelisk in the square outside.
- Sant'Ignazio: a church known for its painted ceiling and trompe l'oeil dome, a few minutes east.
- Piazza Navona: about five minutes west, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers.
- Trevi Fountain: roughly ten minutes away on foot, on the way back towards the metro.
To see what else is near this area, open the Pantheon on Around the Metro, or browse stations on the Rome metro map.