I have visited the Pantheon in Rome several times. From 1 July 2026, admission costs 7 eur and advance booking is not compulsory. Nevertheless, I recommend buying a ticket online for a specific time, as there are often long queues at the ticket office on the day. However, an online ticket does not entitle you to priority entry, and you will still need to go through the standard security check.

This ancient circular Catholic church, with its characteristic classical façade and massive dome featuring a skylight that floods the building with light, was completed in 118 and was originally dedicated to All Saints.

The Pantheon is the best-preserved monument of ancient Rome and the most significant example of Roman architecture.

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Okulus: a unique skylight

Although the church is situated in the densely built-up city centre, its grandeur is apparent at first glance. The imposing entrance, with 16 granite columns, each 12 metres high and featuring Corinthian capitals, leads through heavy bronze doors into a vast rectangular vestibule. 

From there, you enter the circular cathedral, which is crowned by a large 44-metre-high dome featuring the largest vault ever built.

The centre of the dome is adorned withan oculus, a circular opening 9 metres wide that allows natural light to enter the temple. The brick walls of the temple itself are exceptionally thick, measuring up to 6.5 metres.

The slightly convex marble floor (designed to make the interior appear larger) features 22 holes for water drainage.

Is it necessary to book a ticket in advance?

It isopen daily from 9.00 am to 6.30 pm. It is closed only on 1 January, 15 August and 25 December.

Entry tothe cathedral is 7 eur and, given the long queues, we recommend buying tickets online via the websiteportale.museiitaliani.it.

However, online booking is not essential; you’ll simply spend more time queuing.

Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.

• 👉 Online bookings are for a specific time slot (queue approx. 10 minutes)
• 👉 Entry with a ticket purchased on the spot: queue 30–60 minutes
• 👉 If you don’t have a ticket, arrive as early as possible in the morning; queues before opening time are usually around 20 minutes

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