Visiting The Pantheon Rome & Nearby Piazza Navona
A Practical Guide For Those Planning On Visiting The Pantheon
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Interior Of The Pantheon |
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.
The Ancient City |
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.
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.
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Most Visited Sights In Rome |
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| Sightseeing In Rome |
Main Sights Rome |
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Piazza Navona
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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, the most photographed item in the square.
The large and lively square also features another two fountains and the baroque church of Sant'Agnese in Agone
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.
Free Self Guided Walks From/To The Pantheon & Piazza Navona
There really is only one way of exploring the ancient city centre of Rome and that's to walk.
Not only is walking the most practical way of visiting all the sights in the ancient city centre its also by far the most rewarding way.
For those who want to explore at their own pace then we have a few free reference walks that connect some of the most famous sights visitors want to see on their visit to Rome. Pick-up a good guide book that can explain what you are seeing and you have the recipe for a great independent adventure.
Free Self Guided Walk - Trevi Fountain To/From Piazza Navona Via The Pantheon
Professional Walking Tours That Take In ThePantheon & Piazza Navona
Ancient Rome where the Trevi Fountain is, is located in 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 two that take in the Trevi Fountain.
| Popular Tours & Tickets In Rome |
Vatican Tours & Fast Track Tickets |
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Vatican Museums Fast Track Tickets €35.00 Fast track admission to Vatican Museum |
Vatican Museums Fast Track + Small Group Tour €61.50 Fast track admission Vatican Museum + Guided Tour |
Vatican Museums Fast Track Guided Tour €61.00 3 hour tour in English plus hotel pickups |
St Peter's Basilica Fastrack plus guided tour €25.00 Small group tour, maximum 20 people |
Vatican Complete (St Peter's + Museums) From €61.50 3 hour guided walking tour with Fast Track |
Audience With The Pope €37.00 Attending Wednesday audience with transfers |
Ancient Rome Walking Tours (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi...) |
Colosseum & Roman Forum €52.00/€55.00 Daily half day walking tour. am and pm |
Colosseum & Roman Forum (Segway Tour) €75.00 3 hour tour by Segway machine |
Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon,Trevi €30.00 3 hour walking tour. Morning or Afternoon |
Spanish Steps, Pantheon,Trevi,Navona €39.00 3 hour afternoon walking tour |
Villa Borghese Gallery |
Villa Borghese Fast Track Tickets €30.00 Fast track admission ticket for a 2 hour slot |
Villa Borghese & Gardens €46.00 2 hour tour of gallery + 1 hour gardens tour |
Other Popular City Of Rome Tours |
Dan Brown 'Angels & Demons' Tour €56.00 4 hr walking tour inspired by the Dan Brown novel |
Best Of Rome Coach Tour €39.00/€92.00 Half or Full Day coach tour of main sights |
Roman Gladiator Lesson From €55.00 2 hour lesson in becoming a Roman Gladiator |
Night Tours Of Rome €30.00/€41.00 Choice - walking or coach tour of Rome by night |
Private Car & Driver |
4 hour customised Rome tour €210.00-€378.00 Price per Mercedes vehicle (1 to 8 passengers) |
8 hour customised Rome tour €378.00-€567.00 Price per Mercedes vehicle (1 to 8 passengers) |
