Pantheon: Tickets

Pantheon Rome FAQs‍

1. Is the Pantheon in Rome free to enter?

• The Pantheon in Rome used to be free to enter, yes. However, since 2023, it is no longer free for tourists. You must now purchase a ticket.

2. Is the Pantheon worth visiting?

• In our opinion, yes, definitely, especially if you are an architecture fan.

3. Does it rain inside the Pantheon because of the whole in the roof?

• It does rain in the Pantheon, yes! The hole in the roof (the Oculus) measures 8.2 meters in diameter, so when it rains, it does get in! The Pantheon has special drainage holes to get rid of the water though.

4. Is the Pantheon the oldest of the ancient buildings in Rome?

• Its not the oldest, but it is in the best condition of the remaining ancient buildings.

5. Do you need to book tickets in advance to visit the Pantheon in Rome?

• Whereas it isn't compulsory to book in advance, we so strongly suggest booking online, yes. Its a very popular attraction and queues regularly form at the ticket office, so booking online can save you a lot of time.

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Pantheon Rome Interesting Facts‍

• Oldest Intact Building in Rome: The Pantheon was built around 125 AD during Emperor Hadrian's reign, and is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Remarkably, its structure has remained almost entirely intact over the centuries!
• Temple of All Gods: The name "Pantheon" comes from the Greek words "pan" (all) and "theos" (god), meaning "all gods." It was originally dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome.
• Architectural Marvel: The Pantheon's dome remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, with a diameter of 43.3 metres (142 feet).
• The Oculus: At the centre of the dome is an opening called the ‘oculus’, which is 8.2 metres (27 feet) wide in diameter and it allows natural light to flood the interior. It also means that when it rains, it rains inside the Pantheon!
• Ingenious Drainage System: Which leads on to this fun fact - the floor of the Pantheon is slightly convex which then allows the rainwater that enters through the oculus to drain through 22 small holes in the floor!
• Perfect Proportions: The height from the floor to the oculus and the diameter of the dome are exactly the same, making the Pantheon a perfect sphere in terms of its internal dimensions.
• Michelangelo's Admiration: It’s said that Michelangelo once said that the Pantheon was the work of angels, not humans!
• Royal Tombs: The Pantheon is the final resting place of several Italian kings, including Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, as well as the famous Renaissance artist Raphael.
• Walls and Dome Composition: The dome is made from progressively lighter materials as it rises, with heavier stone at the base and lighter pumice near the top, reducing the weight and stress on the structure and helping it stand strong!
• Bronze Ceiling Stripping: In the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII ordered the removal of the bronze ceiling from the Pantheon's portico to be used in the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and for making cannons for Castel Sant'Angelo!
• Symbol of Rome's Power: The Pantheon’s endurance over time and its architectural brilliance have made it a lasting symbol of Rome's ancient power and engineering prowess!
• Pantheon in Name and Inspiration: The Pantheon in Rome has inspired the design of many buildings worldwide, including the Panthéon in Paris and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
• Astronomical Alignment: On April 21st, the traditional founding date of Rome, the sunlight from the oculus precisely illuminates the Pantheon’s entrance at noon, celebrating the city's birth. So it was designed with a purpose!
• ‍Influence on Renaissance Architecture: The Pantheon's design heavily influenced Renaissance architecture, particularly in its use of columns, domes, and harmonious proportions, shaping the future of Western architectural design.