Is it necessary to make a reservation to visit the Pantheon?

Since 2024, it's necessary to make a Pantheon reservation in advance. Save time waiting in line and head straight to the "online bookings" queue when you arrive at the venue. Due to the high volume of visitors, audio-guided Pantheon tickets and Pantheon guided tours come with an allotted time slot as standard, so if you book one of these options, your reservation is included in your tickets.

When was the Pantheon built?

The precise date of the Pantheon in Rome's original construction is difficult to say with precision, as the current building sits on the site of an earlier temple, which was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus around 27 BC – 14 AD. The Pantheon's predecessor was burned down, and the current temple was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD. Formerly a pagan temple dedicated to all of the gods, the Pantheon was consecrated as a Christian church in the year 609. Consequently, the building has been in continuous use ever since, which is the main reason why the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved architectural relics of the Roman Empire still standing today.

What is the Pantheon Oculus?

The Pantheon's extraordinary dome-shaped roof, is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world to this day. But that’s not all that’s special about this ancient ceiling. Considered one of the most beautiful coffered ceilings in the world, its patchwork pattern of depressed cubes surrounds a nine-meter hole - known as the oculus - directly in the dome’s center. The hole serves multiple functions, the first is that it helps to alleviate structural tension at the weakest part of the dome. It also fills the space with natural light and makes lovely moving shadow patterns on the squares. No matter the time of year, this hole is never covered, so bear that in mind when you visit. Your perfect moment in the spotlight might be washed out quicker than you might think!

Highlights: Pantheon tickets

It's almost 2,000 years old! The Pantheon see you today was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and presumably dedicated in 126 AD Despite its age, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome It's one of the most well-preserved buildings from all of ancient Rome The Pantheon has been in continuous use since 27 BC You'll find the tombs of Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II, and the great artist Raphael inside There's famous art works inside, including Francesco Cozza's Adoration of the Shepherds and Adoration of the Magi

A ticket is mandatory to access the Pantheon. With some 2,000 years of history waiting to be discovered, a Pantheon guided tour or Pantheon audio guide is 100% recommended. Pantheon tickets include: Access to the Pantheon A bounty of information about one of Rome's most important historic relics The chance to learn more about the building's hidden details Your choice of an audio guide or a guided tour from an expert

The Pantheon is closed on the following dates: 1 January, 15 August, 25 December The Pantheon gets wet when it rains! Its famous open dome leaves it open to the elements, but luckily drains were included in the plans so the marble floor you'll walk on is the same as the ancient Roman original You can pick up a gift for family or friends at the service desk inside the Pantheon, which sells a variety of religious and Christian gifts exclusively designed for the Pantheon Entry is free for kids under 18, residents of the Municipality of Rome, and on the first Sunday of each month