Art & Museums / Destinations

Pantheon, Rome

by Carlo Irlitti · Published 20th November 2021 · Updated 7th February 2023

Ancient Roman temple, free and easily accessible in the centre of the city of Rome.

The Pantheon dates back to 27BC and is the only temple of its kind and size. The pagan temple was converted to a Roman Catholic church in the seventh centrury, Santa Maria dei Martiri (informally known today as Santa Maria Rotonda) and has been in continuous use for mass on Sundays and on holy days of significance. Visiting on church service days it is best to wear the right attire and cover up to show respect.

Pantheon and the Fontana del Pantheon (Foutain of the Pantheon) with the Egyptian obelisk.

*The interior looking towards the entrance.*

The Pantheon is a very popular attraction. I’ve been there several times and would recommend visiting in the off-season when you can expect smaller sized crowds. It will give you more time to view the interior not having to look over people’s shoulders.

One curiosity. The Pantheon has a circular hole in the middle of the concrete cupola shaped roof, the oculus. On one occasion I was there, it was raining outside and water was dripping down from the oculus into the corresponding drain in the marble floor directly below.

Although I’ve been here a few times, I treat every time as my first and always seem to find something new to see in this architectural marvel, so I make a habit to stop here before heading off to other sights. The Pantheon is roughly in the centre of Rome and from where you can easily access many other places of interest, all in walking distance, such as Piazza Navona to the west, Largo di Torre Argentina (where Julius Caesar was murdered) to the south and the Temple of Hadrian, Piazza Colonna (Column of Marcus Aurelius) and Fontana di Trevi to the east.

In the square in front of the Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, is a fountain, Fontana del Pantheon, surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk originally constructed by the Pharaoh Ramses II. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. My favourite place is a deli called L’Antica Salumeria. They specialise in pork (salamis, prosciutto) and make great porchetta panini, but they also have wine, cheeses, pickles, pizza bread, biscuits and cakes. You can purchase to take home or eat in. Recommended.