In the history of architecture and of engineering it was a revolutionary monument, a masterpiece of human genius, and it was designed to be looked at from the inside, an idea which is far from the classical attitude which favoured the external look.

In order to enter the Pantheon you must walk under huge columns of granite, which were transported to Rome from far away Egypt, their destination being the big bronze door. Once you are inside, you will find yourself in an immense empty ambient under a big dome, which is still today the largest unreinforced dome in the world.
An interesting fact: the dome’s diameter is the same length as the total height of the Pantheon, so inside it you could easily fit a sphere more than 43 metres big.

The ray of light which filters through the oculus and the 9 metre wide opening on top of the dome is truly stunning and lights up the whole edifice.

It is the most beautiful remnant of ancient Rome, and almost entirely in its original state as it was rarely plundered. The columns, the marbles, the interior decorations and the floor have practically remained the same. What you see is exactly what ancient Romans used to see almost 2,000 years ago.

The kings of Italy, musicians and painters such as Raphael are buried inside the Pantheon.

Free entry