Notice the famous inscription on the pediment of the Pantheon facade at the main entrance.
The Roman Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture, stands as a testament to Roman engineering and design prowess. Originally constructed as a temple dedicated to all gods, it now stands as a well-preserved church. Visitors can marvel at its ico...
Founded By
Emperor Hadrian
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
9am–7pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
2000000
TICKETS
From € 13
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
The Pantheon boasts the title of the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built, a remarkable feat that still stands unmatched even in contemporary times. It has gone on to inspire the construction of other famous domes like the Duomo Florence cupola and the dome in St. Peter's Basilica.
The Pantheon is also resting place for historical figures. You can find the tombs of prominent personalities like the Renaissance painter Raphael.
In the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII ordered the bronze to be stripped from the dome and used it to create a baldachin (canopy) over St. Peter's tomb and cannons for the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Notice the famous inscription on the pediment of the Pantheon facade at the main entrance.
While exploring the Pantheon, don't forget to admire its impressive exterior facade. The portico with its massive granite Corinthian columns is a sight to behold and represents another remarkable example of Roman architecture.
Central to the Pantheon's interior is its breathtaking rotunda, crowned by a sloping, coffered concrete dome. This space is enhanced by Corinthian granite columns and ornate marble flooring.
Crafted from concrete, the dome's ingenious construction employs lighter materials as it ascends, showcasing remarkable Roman engineering.
Learn about the Roman Pantheon dome in detailInside the expansive Pantheon interior, diverse chapels honor saints and religious figures. Adorning rotunda walls, these alcoves showcase sculptures, paintings, and artifacts.
The Pantheon holds tombs of notable figures like artist Raphael and Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Each tomb is an artistic work, allowing visitors to pay respects and appreciate the intricate details.
The interior of the Pantheon boasts intricate marble flooring with a beautiful design that complements the grandeur of the structure. Additionally, observe the decorative details on the columns, walls and arches.
In this Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck starrer, the Pantheon is the backdrop in the piazza where Ann and Joe meet Irving in the Piazza della Rotunda.
In the movie based on Dan Brown’s novel, Tom Hanks enters the Pantheon to scout for clues about Raphael’s tomb.
Originally, Agrippa’s Pantheon was dedicated to the 12 Gods and the ruling Sovran (or supreme leader). Years after it was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian, the temple was converted to a church by Pope Boniface the IV, and the Pantheon was called St. Mary and the Martyrs. Even today, the church is open to the public for worship.
The dome’s diameter measures 43 m, with the oculus being 9 m in diameter. The dome is made of unreinforced concrete, meaning no other mechanisms or structures support its suspension. It is merely designed to become narrower at the top so weight is distributed evenly, and it can sustain itself.
The Paris Pantheon, a neoclassical-style building, was originally built as a church in honor of St. Genevieve. Now, however, it is a mausoleum for famous personalities in France including Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas, etc. The Rome Pantheon, in contrast, was originally a temple. Now a functional church, it is still open to the public for mass and other liturgical events. Notable structural differences between the two pantheons include the use of concrete in the Rome Pantheon, and the use of brick and stone in the Paris Pantheon.
The dome of the Pantheon is constructed using a combination of concrete and various lightweight materials, such as pumice stone. This technique made the dome lighter and more structurally sound.
The dome's construction incorporated a progressive reduction in thickness from the base to the top, which decreased the weight while maintaining structural stability. Additionally, the dome's design distributes the weight evenly along the supporting walls.
The construction of the Pantheon is believed to have taken around ten years, from 118 to 128 AD.
The Rome Pantheon receives approximately 2 million visitors each year.
Yes, the Pantheon is centrally located in Rome and is within walking distance of many other famous landmarks, such as Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.