The Pantheon Pantheon

A 2,000-year-old temple with the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.

Built by Emperor Hadrian around AD 126 and used as a church since the 7th century, the Pantheon is almost perfectly preserved. Its dome, 43 metres wide, is open at the top (the oculus), letting a beam of sunlight and sometimes rain into the hall.

Raphael and two Italian kings are buried inside. Stand under the oculus and look up: it is one of the most impressive interiors in Europe.

Booking advice

Tickets are booked online on the official site and walk-in entry may not be possible on paid days. Check the booking window, as slots open about a month ahead.

Insider tips

• Visit around midday when the sunbeam from the oculus reaches the floor, or on a rainy day to see rain fall into the hall.
• Sunday morning mass (usually 10:30) gives free entry, but you must be quiet and stay in the seating area.
• Have a coffee at one of the squares nearby, but avoid the tourist cafés on the square itself, which charge a lot for seating.

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