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The Rome Pantheon: From Ancient Temple of Roman Gods to Today's Church

The Roman Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture, stands as a testament to Roman engineering and design prowess. Originally constructed as a temple dedicated to all gods, it now stands as a well-preserved church. Visitors can marvel at its ico...

Founded By

Emperor Hadrian

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

9 AM - 7 PM

VISITORS PER YEAR

2000000

TICKETS

From € 13

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

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Fun facts

Unbroken Record for an Unreinforced Dome: The Pantheon boasts the title of the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built, a remarkable feat that still stands unmatched even in contemporary times.

Eternal Resting Place: Beyond its architectural marvels, the Pantheon is a resting place for historical figures. Among them lies the renowned painter Raphael.

Imported Columns from Egypt: The Pantheon's majestic columns, with their granite origins, were imported from Egypt, showcasing the widespread influence of the Roman empire, which extended the boundaries of Europe.

More interesting facts

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1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

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Discover the Rome Pantheon

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What To See At Rome Pantheon?

Tombs and Memorials

The Pantheon holds tombs of notable figures like artist Raphael and Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Each tomb is an artistic work, allowing visitors to pay respects and appreciate the intricate details.

Chapels

Inside the expansive Pantheon interior, diverse chapels honor saints and religious figures. Adorning rotunda walls, these alcoves showcase sculptures, paintings, and artifacts, enhancing the site's spiritual atmosphere.

Rotunda

Central to the Pantheon's interior is its breathtaking rotunda, crowned by a sloping, coffered concrete dome. Enhanced by Corinthian granite columns and ornate marble flooring, the symmetrical design exudes architectural splendor.

Dome

The Rome Pantheon's dome, an astounding ancient achievement, stands as a well-preserved hemispherical marvel even after almost two millennia. Crafted from concrete, its ingenious construction employs lighter materials as it ascends, showcasing remarkable Roman engineering.

Marble Flooring

The interior of the Pantheon boasts intricate marble flooring with a beautiful design that complements the grandeur of the structure. Additionally, the decorative details on the columns, walls, and arches demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship and artistic skill prevalent during ancient Roman times.

Exterior Facade

While exploring the Pantheon, don't forget to admire its impressive exterior facade. The portico with its massive granite Corinthian columns is a sight to behold and represents another remarkable example of Roman architecture.

Brief History Of Rome Pantheon

27 BC: The original Pantheon is commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It is dedicated to the gods of ancient Rome.
80 AD: The first Pantheon is destroyed by fire.
118 AD - 125 AD: Emperor Hadrian decides to rebuild the Pantheon to honor his predecessors and showcase the power of the Roman Empire. The reconstruction takes place, and the new Pantheon is completed under Hadrian's supervision.
2nd and 3rd Centuries: The Pantheon undergoes various modifications and repairs, including restoration work on the dome and interior, as well as the addition of decorative elements.
609 AD: The Pantheon is consecrated as a Christian church, known as "Santa Maria ad Martyres" (St. Mary and the Martyrs). This conversion helps to preserve the building during the tumultuous times of the Roman Empire's decline.
17th Century: The Pantheon attracts significant interest from Renaissance artists and architects who are inspired by its classical design and incorporate similar features into their works.
1747: The artist Giovanni Paolo Panini creates a famous painting titled "Interior of the Pantheon, Rome," capturing the grandeur of the structure during this period.
19th Century: The Pantheon becomes a symbol of Italy's national identity during the Italian unification process, leading to further restorations and preservation efforts.

Understanding the History of Pantheon in Rome

Who Built The Rome Pantheon?

The original Rome Pantheon was built by the Roman statesman and general Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in 27 BC. However, the current structure that stands today was rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 120 AD. Hadrian was an accomplished builder and architect, and he oversaw many important building projects during his reign, including the construction of the Hadrian's Wall in Britain and the Temple of Venus and Roma in Rome.

Architecture of Rome Pantheon

Design: The Pantheon's design is elegantly simple. It features a portico with columns attached to a domed rotunda. An intriguing intermediate block suggests an initially taller portico with a second pediment, hinting at unused, possibly Egyptian, columns, which would have made it taller.
Style: Exemplifying Roman Classicism, the Pantheon showcases the timeless elegance of Corinthian columns, balanced proportions, and geometric precision. Its style pays homage to ancient Roman architectural principles.
Special features: Noteworthy elements include a coffered ceiling for dome support, bronze doors, and a Latin inscription at the entrance.
Influence & symbolism: Its architectural influence echoes in dome construction history. Symbolically, it bridges the earthly and the divine. Transitioning from pagan temple to Christian church, it retains its cultural and architectural significance.

Pantheon Rome Architecture Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions About Rome Pantheon

What is the Rome Pantheon?

The Rome Pantheon is an ancient Roman building that was originally constructed in 27 BC as a temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. The current building was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD and is now a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs.

What is the architecture of the Rome Pantheon like?

The Rome Pantheon boasts an elegant architectural design: a Corinthian column-supported portico leading to a cylindrical rotunda with a coffered concrete dome. Its simplicity and precision embody Roman Classicism.

Why was Rome Patheon built?

The Pantheon in Rome was built as a temple to honor and worship the ancient Roman gods.In the 7th century AD, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church, known as the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres. This transformation helped protect the building from destruction during the early Christian era.

What is the history of the Rome Pantheon?

The first Pantheon was constructed by Agrippa in 27 BC, but it was destroyed in a fire in 80 AD. The current building was rebuilt by Hadrian in 120 AD and converted into a Christian church in the 7th century AD. It has undergone numerous restorations over the years and has been used as a burial site for notable figures throughout history.

Can you go inside the Rome Pantheon?

Yes, you can go inside the Rome Pantheon. It is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its interior and admire its architectural and historical significance.

What are the opening hours of the Rome Pantheon?

The Rome Pantheon opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How many visitors does the Rome Pantheon receive each year?

The Rome Pantheon receives approximately 2 million visitors each year.

What notable figures are buried in the Rome Pantheon?

Notable figures buried in the Rome Pantheon include the renowned artist Raphael, as well as Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Each tomb is a work of art, honoring these historical figures within the iconic structure.

What is the dress code to visit Rome Pantheon?

Roman Pantheon dress code dictates wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing revealing outfits. Keep in mind that it's customary to remove hats or caps before entering religious sites in Italy.

Can I attend mass or religious services at the Pantheon?

Yes, the Pantheon still functions as an active church, and religious services, including mass, are held there.

Is the Pantheon located near other popular tourist attractions in Rome?

Yes, the Pantheon is centrally located in Rome and is within walking distance of many other famous landmarks, such as Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.