Visiting The Pantheon Rome & Nearby Piazza Navona

A Practical Guide For Those Planning On Visiting The Pantheon

Inside The Pantheon Rome
Inside The Pantheon Rome

Until the 20th century, the Pantheon was the largest concrete structure in the world. Michelangelo studied its great dome before starting work on the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Dating from 125 AD, this is the most complete ancient building in Rome and one of the city's most spectacular sights.


The Pantheon is the burial place of several important Italians (including the artist Raphael), and it remains an active church. It is a major tourist destination and a popular place for weddings.

What Is There To See At The Pantheon ?

The Pantheon is widely praised for its feats of architecture and concept of space. At 43m (142 ft) wide and 43m (142 ft) high, it is a perfect sphere resting in a cylinder. For the layman wandering into the Pantheon, (free entry, no queues) the first instinct is to look upwards at the Dome.

The oculus, the only source of natural light in the Pantheon, is a round opening in the centre of the dome. It is 27 feet in diameter and open to the sky (the floor is gently sloped to allow for runoff of rainwater).


Once you start to look around you, you are taken in by the opulence. Monumental tombs are set into the walls of Pantheon, including that of the artist Raphael (on the left side as you enter).

If you are really into the subject matter its worth getting an audio guide, there are some free pod downloads on the net.


The Pantheon itself is in the heart of the Ancient City Of Rome, fed by a few narrow lanes. The Piazza della Rotonda is a lively square filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants in front of the Pantheon.

Its a hangout for financially challenged youth, sometimes a band may put in a performance. Somewhere to linger and people watch.

OpenTour Hop On On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

Getting To The Pantheon

The narrow streets of Ancient Rome where you find the Pantheon are far too narrow for buses.All the popular hop on, hop off sightseeing buses have a stop a few minutes walk away also providing access to the Piazza Navona.

There is no Metro station nearby. By bus, the Piazza Argentina is on the route of many buses including the very frequent 40, 60 and 64 buses that shuttle between the Vatican, the centre of the city and then on up to wards Termini Station.


Walking is the best (only) way of getting around really. Most visitors will amble to wards the Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona, (both signposted). A classic Rome walk is to start at the Spanish Steps and end at Piazza Navona visiting the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon on the way.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

Just west of the Pantheon is Piazza Navona, the short walk is signposted for pedestrians.


The piazza is exceptionally long and owes its shape to the ruins that formed it, for under the buildings that surround Piazza Navona are the remains of the Circus Domitianus, Domitian's stadium. In the centre of the piazza is Bernini's most spectacular fountain, la Fontana dei Fiumi erected in 1651.


Despite the undoubted architectural delights and history of the place, for most people this is a pleasant place to hang out, have a drink or meal and people watch.

Every city has such a place.

Its a great place to come in the evening, wandering the atmospheric narrow lanes in the vicinity towards vaguely in the direction of Trastevere and discovering your own place to eat and people watch.

Walking Tours That Take In The Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Ancient Rome where the Pantheon is located is a maze of narrow lanes waiting to be explored. You seem to make another discovery around every corner.

Some people like to strike out independently clutching a good guide book, others just want to take in the atmosphere.


If you are really interested in understanding what you are witnessing then a local guide can show you the best of what there is to see and also offer someone to bounce of ideas for further exploration. There are many walking tours available. Below are just three that take in the Colosseum and Piazza Navona.

Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon Tour

Afternoon walking tour (held in the morning on Sundays) visits Rome's best known ancient sights, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona in around 3 hours

Colosseum, Pantheon Walking Tour - More Details

Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Similar to the above tour, but instead covers the area around the Spanish Steps instead of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Spanish Steps, Trevi, Pantheon Walking Tour - More Details

Rome by Night Walking Tour

This evening walking tour visits Rome's best known sights, including the Colosseum (exterior visit only), Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. It also includes an overview of the Forum area, including the Imperial Forums. Several major sites are covered in a short period of time, and you'll receive enlightening insights into the city's millennia of history as you stroll.

Rome by Night Walking Tour - More Details

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Free Hop On/Off Bus for 2 Days

Free Rome Public Transport 3 Days

Free Hop On/Off Boat 1 Day
= 3 Day Pass €69.90

Extra Days Public Transport Pass
1 Day €5.50
3 Days €14.00
Free & Discounted Admission Rome Museums