The Pantheon, one of Rome’s landmarks, is located in the historic center of Rome in between the Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. The Pantheon is one of the oldest monuments in Rome and probably the best preserved temple of the Ancient Rome. Every year, over 6 million people visit the Piazza della Rotonda, the square where the Pantheon is located, to admire this formidable monument. For over 2000 years the Pantheon of Rome has been fascinating its visitors and people still adore it today. This article contains information about tickets, opening hours and historical facts of the Roman Pantheon.
The Pantheon – A masterpiece of Roman architecture made by angels
The Pantheon, also called “La Rotonda” by the Romans, was probably built in 126 AD under the emperor Hadrian. However, the exact date is controversial since there had been several buildings similar to the Pantheon at the very same place before. Pantheon is a greek adjective meaning “to honor all Gods”. Therefore, it had been a temple for the Gods at first. It was turned into a catholic church in 609.
For some of you visiting the still celebrated masses on Sundays might be a special experience. Even wedding ceremonies are celebrated here from time to time. The Pantheon, also known as “Santa Maria ad Martyres” is a unique monument of Roman architecture. Especially because of its extraordinary liaison of a templelike building and a rotunda.
A Masterpiece of architecture
The Pantheon is a veritable masterpiece of architecture. Hardly any other Roman monument of the Ancient Rome is as well-preserved as the Pantheon. It consists of an orbital central building and a templelike porch on the northern front. The Pantheon has the world’s largest dome, being 43 meters high and just as wide. The dome even opens to the sky, letting the sun fill the Pantheon with day light. In case it rains, a drainage system on the floor prevents it from being flooded with rainwater.
Just as impressive as the rotunda is the northern front, the entry to the Pantheon, built in shape of a temple. 16 Corinthian columns mark the front facade. Each of them is almost 12m tall with a diameter of 1,5 meters and weighs 60 tons. Together they carry the enormous pediment of the Pantheon. Underneath, a 6m tall door made of bronze serves as the main entrance to the Pantheon.
When Michelangelo saw the Pantheon for the first time, he thought that it must have been made by angels, not by humans. He was not the only one who was impressed by the beauty of the building and people still admire it today.
How to get to the Pantheon of Rome
Since the Pantheon is located in Rome’s historical center (address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma), there are no metro stations nearby. Nevertheless, several bus stations are within spitting distance. You can get to the bus station “Argentina” (bus lines 30, 40, 62, 64, 70, 81 and 87) via one of the main streets Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II. From there you will only have to perform a short walk and you will get to the Pantheon within 5 minutes by taking either the Via di Torre Argentina or the Via dei Cestari.
You can also reach the this famous sight from the Piazza Navona in about 6 minutes by taking the Via del Salvatore and the Via Giustiniani. If you find yourself at the Trevi Fountain you will only have to take the Via delle Muratte and the Via del Seminario and you will reach the Pantheon in less than 10 minutes.
Opening hours and Admission Fees
The Pantheon in Rome is open to the public every day except January the 1st and December the 25th. From Monday to Saturday it opens its doors from 9 am to 7:30 pm. On Sundays from 9 am until 6 pm. On week-day holidays the Pantheon closes at 1 pm. When masses are celebrated the building is not accessible for tourists. These take place on holidays at 10:30 am and on Saturdays at 5 pm. Last entry is always 15 minutes before closing time. The entry at the Pantheon in Rome is free.
Waiting time & waiting lines
The Pantheon in Rome is very crowded all day long. From experience I can tell that most people visit the sight in the afternoon hours. Therefore, I recommend to visit it either in the morning, from 9 am to 12 pm or in the evening after 6 pm.
Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome
Those of you visiting the Pantheon should not miss to visit the Piazza della Minerva, on the Pantheon’s southern side. There you not only find the Obelisk della Minerva but also the basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Even though this church appears unimpressive from the outside, it is of tremendous beauty inside. The basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is the only catholic church in Rome that has not undergone a complete baroque makeover like many other churches in Rome. But it is still kept in its original gothic style. having been built in 1280, it had long been used as headquarters of the Roman Dominican Order.
Several popes are buried there, this includes Leo X., Clemens VII., Paul IV., Benedikt XIII. And Urban VII. Italy’s patron Saint Catherina of Siena is also buried in this cathedral. And a Jesus sculpture by Michelangelo is under the numerous pieces of art in the basilica. Since the basilica is hardly visited by tourists you can enjoy a moment of peace int here and take all your time to admire the ceiling’s paintings and the walls’ decoration.
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