Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of Rome's most extraordinary buildings: the only ancient Roman temple that has been in continuous use for nearly two thousand years and remains structurally almost entirely intact. Its monumental dome, with the "eye" (oculus) open to the sky at its centre, continues to amaze architects and visitors alike.
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From Agrippa to Hadrian
The original building was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC, but it burned down several times. The iconic form we see today was given to it by Emperor Hadrian between AD 118 and 125. Interestingly, Hadrian left the original inscription on the façade out of respect: “M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT” (Built by Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, during his third consulship).
In the early 7th century, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the temple as a Christian church (Santa Maria ad Martyres), saving it from demolition and use as a quarry. Since then, the Pantheon has been not only a sacred place but also a part of Italian national identity: it is the resting place of the kings of unified Italy (Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I) as well as the Renaissance genius Raphael Sanzio.
The Concrete Dome and the Play of Light
The Pantheon's technical innovations were ahead of their time:
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The Dome: With a diameter of 43.3 metres, it is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. To reduce weight, the Romans used increasingly lighter aggregates (such as volcanic pumice instead of tuff) as they built upwards.
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The Oculus: The 9-metre-wide opening at the centre of the dome is the only source of light. When it rains, water falls onto the marble floor, but thanks to the floor's slight incline and hidden drainage holes, the interior never floods.
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Proportions: The interior of the building forms a perfect sphere: its height is exactly equal to its diameter.
Sustainability and Visitor Guidelines
To preserve the Pantheon, significant changes were introduced in 2023, which became a stable system by 2026.
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Entrance Fee and Maintenance: The entrance fee directly funds the preservation of the building and the cleanliness of the surrounding Piazza della Rotonda.
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Digital Ticketing System: To minimise queuing and paper waste, tickets should be booked online for a specific time slot. Advance booking is mandatory on weekends and public holidays!
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Local Transport: The Pantheon is located in the heart of the historic district (Centro Storico) in a pedestrian-only zone. It is best reached on foot from Piazza Navona or Via del Corso.
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Mindful Visiting: As an active church, silence and appropriate attire (covered shoulders and knees) are required in the Pantheon. Use a digital audio guide to avoid disturbing the dignity of the site with loud speech.
Practical Information
Visits are paused during mass, but entry is free for worshippers attending the service.
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Target group
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Families with older children
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Multigenerational programs
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Friends
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Seniors
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