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Pantheon
In a capital blessed with a wealth of world-famous architecture, this 2,000-year-old temple stands as one of the greatest monuments to the power and ambition of the Roman Empire.
Although originally built in the 1st century B.C. under the auspices of Roman general Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon we see today was actually laid out in the year 126 by famous Roman emperor Hadrian. Despite this, the inscription across its facade credits its first commissioner, reading “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time.”
Famed for its portico of eight striking granite Corinthian columns, with another eight behind — all supporting a vast triangular pediment — the main temple building is actually a rotunda, topped with what remains the largest non-reinforced concrete dome on earth. The diameter of the rotunda is 142 feet (43 meters) and its height from checkerboard marble floor to lofty dome apex is exactly the same. While the dome above is the feature that gains the most attention, take time to look down at the floor, unchanged since Roman times.
First built as a temple to the Ancient Roman gods (a translation of “pantheon” is “for all gods”), the structure has been used as a Roman Catholic church since the early 7th century. This Christian conversion had an enormous influence on the interior decor of the structure. From the many Renaissance masterpieces now adorning the curved walls of the rotunda to all the noteworthy Christians buried in its tomb (including Italian king Umberto I and famous artist Raphael), the Pantheon beautifully brings together Roman mythology and Christian dogma.
With millions of tourists exploring the far-from-spacious monument every single year, expect lines stretching across Piazza della Rotonda every day. However long it takes, there is no doubt that the Pantheon is worth the wait.
The Pantheon is in central Rome and is open seven days a week. As the streets in the area are too narrow for buses, the best way to get to the Pantheon is by taxi or on foot. Some buses do get fairly close if you are up for a short walk.
Guide to Exploring Pantheon
Top Hotel Deals
Hotel Quirinale
Via Nazionale 7, RomeCentral Rome hotel housed in a late 19th-century building retaining much Imperial grandeur, 500 metres from Quirinale Palace and one kilometre from the Colosseum.
Hotel Delle Nazioni
Via Poli 7, RomeHotel Delle Nazioni is situated in the heart of Rome, just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain. This 4-star hotel is 5 minutes from both the Spanish Steps and stylish Via Condotti shopping.
Grand Hotel Olympic
Via Properzio 2/a, RomeThis Art Nouveau hotel is 1 block from Rome's Vatican Museums and 2 blocks from Saint Peter's Cathedral; it is near Via Cola di Rienzo shopping street, 1 kilometer from Castel S'Angelo and 3 kilometers from the Pantheon.
Albergo Del Senato
Piazza Della Rotonda 73, RomeThis 19th-century baroque hotel stands on Rome's Piazza della Rotonda, opposite the Pantheon. The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, the Spanish Steps, and Via del Corso are within walking distance.
Hotel Cosmopolita
Via Santa Eufemia, 5, RomeThis 19th-century building offers a prime Rome location 300 meters from the Roman Forum, 500 meters from the Pantheon, and 1 block from via del Corso shops.
Pantheon Royal Suite
Piazza Della Rotonda 7, RomeLocated in Navona, this spa townhouse accommodation is steps from Sant'Eustachio and Pantheon. Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain are also within 10 minutes.
Hotel Residenza in Farnese
Via del Mascherone 59, RomeLocated in Navona, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Palazzo Farnese and Campo de' Fiori. Piazza Navona and Pantheon are also within 15 minutes.
Hotel Abruzzi
Piazza Della Rotonda 69, RomeLocated in Navona, this hotel is steps from Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and Pantheon. Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain are also within 10 minutes.
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