The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most iconic structures and attracts millions of visitors each year. However, finding information about when it’s free to enter and when you need pantheon tickets can be confusing. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about visiting the Pantheon, including how to buy pantheon tickets online and which guided tours are available.
As of July 1st, 2023, the Pantheon has become a ticketed site. This small fee applies to tourists, but Roman residents and anyone attending Mass will still be allowed in for free. Proceeds from the admission fees will be split between the culture ministry and the Rome diocese.
The new ticketing system is meant to keep visitors in control of their experience and prevent overcrowding. It’s similar to the timed entrance at the Colosseum, which is also a popular tourist attraction. However, critics have argued that the Pantheon’s system may be open to abuse by tour operators and third parties, who could snag up huge batches of tickets and bundle them into higher-priced guided or packaged tours.
You can still visit the Pantheon without tickets, though you’ll have to line up and pay at the door. The lines can be lengthy, especially during peak times of the day. For the best chance to avoid long lines, arrive early in the day or late in the evening, when the crowds are typically thinner.
While the Pantheon is a popular tourist attraction, it’s also a functioning church. As a result, the building adheres to a modest dress code. Visitors are asked to refrain from wearing shorts or skirts shorter than knee-length and sleeveless dresses. Additionally, visitors are advised to cover their shoulders and avoid carrying backpacks or large bags inside the site.
If you’re planning on visiting the Pantheon during a religious service, it’s best to let security guards know before lining up that you plan to attend Mass. They may try to keep tourists out of the Pantheon during mass, but will allow those who want to attend to do so.
During the annual Rose Petals in the Pantheon celebration, Rome’s fire brigade ascend to the top of the structure’s concrete dome and drop thousands of red rose petals into the oculus. The event has grown in popularity in recent years and is a breathtaking sight to behold. In order to view this, you’ll need to get there by around 7am to wait in the queue.
The best way to avoid the crowds and skip the lines at the Pantheon is to purchase your entry tickets in advance. You can do this by visiting the official website, which provides a range of options for audio guides and guided tours. You can even purchase a combined ticket for the Pantheon and other major sights in Rome, including skip-the-line tickets at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica and priority entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Using these options ensures that you’ll have the best possible experience when visiting Rome’s most famous landmark.