The Pantheon in Rome, Italy, is a former Roman temple, now a Catholic church, known for its magnificent dome and oculus. Originally built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and completed by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD, it stands as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. The Pantheon is located at Piazza della Rotonda and is an architectural marvel, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.8/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Marvel at the Architecture
Why it’s a must: The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman engineering, with its portico of massive granite columns and a circular rotunda topped by an impressive dome. The dome’s oculus (a 9-meter-wide circular opening at the top) is a striking feature, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a celestial effect.
Tip: Stand beneath the oculus and look up—it’s a surreal experience to see the sky framed by the ancient structure. The oculus also serves as a symbolic connection between the temple and the heavens.
2. Learn About Its Religious History
Why it’s a must: Originally a Roman temple, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in the 7th century, known as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs. This conversion is one of the reasons it has been so well-preserved over the centuries.
Tip: Look for the Christian altars and iconography that were added after the Pantheon’s conversion. The co-existence of pagan and Christian elements makes this monument unique in Rome.
3. Admire the Dome and Oculus
Why it’s a must: The dome of the Pantheon is one of the greatest engineering achievements of ancient Rome. Measuring 43.3 meters (142 feet) in diameter, it is perfectly proportioned to the height from the floor to the oculus. The oculus not only lets in light but also serves as a ventilation system, and it is the only source of natural light inside.
Tip: Visit the Pantheon on a rainy day. You’ll witness rain falling through the oculus onto the floor, where drainage holes help remove the water—a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.
4. Visit the Tomb of Raphael
Why it’s a must: The Pantheon is home to the tomb of Raphael, the famous Renaissance painter and architect. His tomb is located on the left side of the rotunda, and the inscription on his tombstone is a tribute to his artistic genius.
Tip: Pay your respects to this artistic master and take a quiet moment to appreciate the significance of being buried in such a historic and sacred space.
5. See the Tombs of Italian Kings
Why it’s a must: In addition to Raphael, the Pantheon is also the final resting place of two of Italy’s kings: Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy, and his son, Umberto I. These tombs are important symbols of Italian nationhood.
Tip: Look for the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, which is marked with the inscription "Padre della Patria" ("Father of the Fatherland"). The tombs are located near the entrance, and flowers or wreaths are often laid in tribute.
6. Admire the Corinthian Columns
Why it’s a must: The Pantheon’s portico is supported by 16 massive Corinthian columns, each made from Egyptian granite. These columns were transported from Egypt—a remarkable feat considering their size and weight.
Tip: Stand outside and take a close look at the inscriptions on the portico. The original inscription, which reads "M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT", translates to “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this.”
7. Walk Through the Rotunda
Why it’s a must: The rotunda, or circular interior, is the heart of the Pantheon. Its walls were built to support the massive weight of the dome, and the floor is made of marble, arranged in geometric patterns. The niches in the walls once held statues of Roman gods.
Tip: Take time to walk around the rotunda and explore the various altars and shrines that have been added over the centuries. Notice how the light from the oculus shifts throughout the day, changing the atmosphere of the space.
8. Experience the Acoustics
Why it’s a must: The acoustics of the Pantheon are legendary. Due to its circular shape and the presence of the oculus, sound reverberates beautifully inside the dome. If you’re lucky, you might hear Gregorian chants or choir performances, which are sometimes held inside the Pantheon.
Tip: If there is no live performance, simply standing in the center of the rotunda and speaking can produce a unique echo. It’s a great way to experience the acoustic design of this ancient structure.
9. Visit on a Special Occasion
Why it’s a must: The Pantheon is still an active church, and Mass is held there regularly. Special services, like those on Christmas, Easter, or Pentecost, create a particularly memorable experience. On Pentecost Sunday, rose petals are dropped from the oculus, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Tip: If you plan to attend Mass, remember that the Pantheon is a place of worship, and respectful attire and behavior are required. Check the schedule in advance to time your visit.
10. Relax at Piazza della Rotonda
Why it’s a must: After exploring the Pantheon, take a moment to relax in the Piazza della Rotonda, the square in front of the monument. The piazza is filled with charming cafés and restaurants, and it’s a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of Rome while admiring the Pantheon from the outside.
Tip: Grab a seat at one of the nearby cafés, order a cappuccino or gelato, and take in the view. The Fontana del Pantheon in the center of the piazza is also a beautiful piece of Baroque art worth admiring.
Information: https://www.paris-pantheon.fr/en
Main Positive Reviews:
The Pantheon is an extraordinary piece of history. The architecture is breathtaking, and the oculus is mesmerizing. A must-see in Rome!
Absolutely stunning! The Pantheon’s interior is as impressive as its exterior.
Loved every moment inside the Pantheon. The history and the architecture are simply fascinating.
A beautiful and well-preserved piece of Roman history. The guided tour was very informative.
An awe-inspiring building. The light through the oculus creates a magical atmosphere inside.
The dome provides ample lighting, making the entire place very beautiful.
Experiencing it in person is unique and unforgettable."
The architecture and paintings inside are truly amazing.
Main Negative Reviews:
It was crowded, making it hard to fully appreciate the space. Still worth a visit.
The Pantheon is beautiful, but the area around it is full of tourists and street vendors.
The interior is impressive, but the constant crowding can be overwhelming.
The building is incredible, but the experience was slightly marred by the large number of visitors.
It is quite small; you can finish the tour in 20 minutes.
Recommend buying tickets online in advance because the queues are long.
The only downside is the queue to buy tickets. The machine asks for your name and email, which significantly increases the ticketing time, causing long lines.
Last year the Pantheon was free, now you have to pay.
Someone said: The only sad part is that the surrounding area (not just the Pantheon, but other tourist spots as well) is very dirty, with mineral water bottles and trash everywhere. There are too many people, so I think the cleanliness has gotten out of control.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Visiting the Pantheon is relatively inexpensive. Admission is €13, Free for under 18 age.
However, guided tours or audio guides are available at an additional cost, typically around €3.
The Pantheon is a must-visit landmark in Rome, receiving high praise for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and the unique experience provided by its interior space and oculus. Based on aggregated reviews from Google and TripAdvisor, the Pantheon scores exceptionally well.
Is it Worth Visiting:
With an overall rating above 4.5 out of 5 on both Google and TripAdvisor, the Pantheon is highly recommended for visitors to Rome. The architectural beauty and historical significance outweigh the minor inconveniences of crowding and busy surroundings.
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