Het Pantheon, een architectonisch wonder en een bewijs van Romeinse vindingrijkheid

The Pantheon, an architectural marvel and a testament to Roman ingenuity, has recently implemented an entry fee, changing the long-standing tradition of free access. To ensure a smooth and respectful visit to this active church, here’s a comprehensive guide:

The New Entry Ticket System

As of July 3, 2023, an admission ticket is required to enter the Pantheon. This change was introduced to help manage the immense crowds and contribute to the monument’s upkeep.

• Ticket Price:
  • Full ticket: €5.00
  • Reduced rate: €2.00 (for EU citizens aged 18 to 25)
  • Free: Visitors under 18. Residents of the Municipality of Rome and those entitled under Decree 507/1997 also enter free. Documentation confirming your exemption status must be shown at the entrance.
  • First Sunday of the Month: Entry remains free on the first Sunday of every month, but expect very long queues and significant crowds. Free paper tickets must be collected directly from the desks and ticket machines inside the monument on these days.
• How to Reserve Online (Official Way): The official way to purchase tickets is through the Musei Italiani portal (museiitaliani.it) or their app.
  1. Register: If you’re a new user, you’ll need to register on the platform (name, address, email, password).
  2. Login: Once registered, log in to the platform. You’ll be redirected to the Pantheon page.
  3. Select Visit Type: Choose “Museum entrance” for basic tickets. There are also options for guided tours in Italian, English, and Spanish (which may sell out quickly).
  4. Choose Date & Time: Select your desired date and hourly time slot for your visit. Tickets are generally released in the middle of the previous month for the upcoming month.
  5. Select Ticket Type: Choose full, reduced, or free tickets as applicable.
  6. Confirm & Pay: Verify your order in the shopping cart and proceed to payment (often via the PagoPA website).
  7. Receive Ticket: Your tickets will be issued as a PDF with a QR code, sent to your email. You can show this QR code on your phone or print it out.
• Buying On-Site: It is possible to buy tickets directly at the Pantheon, but be prepared for queues, especially during peak season. There are typically three queues at the entrance:
  • Left Queue: For cash-only payments (often the longest).
  • Middle Queue: For those with pre-booked tickets (fastest moving).
  • Right Queue: For those purchasing on-spot tickets by card (can be long, but usually faster than cash).
• “Skip-the-Line” Options (Third-Party Vendors): Many tour operators and online travel agencies offer “skip-the-line” Pantheon tickets, often bundled with audio guides or tours. While the official site states there are no “skip the line” options, these third-party tickets often allow you to use the faster “pre-booked ticket” queue. They may also include an audio guide or guided tour, which adds value. Look for Pantheon audio tours of Rome essentials ticket bundles that include the Pantheon.

Best Times to Visit

• For Fewer Crowds:
  • Early Morning (Right at opening at 9:00 AM): This is the best time to experience the Pantheon with the fewest people.
  • Late Afternoon (1-2 hours before closing at 7:00 PM): Crowds tend to thin out as the day progresses.
  • Weekdays: Generally less busy than weekends.
  • Low Season (October to March): Fewer tourists overall, but daylight hours are shorter.
• For Light Streaming Through the Oculus: The Pantheon’s iconic oculus (the opening in the center of the dome) creates a mesmerizing beam of light that moves across the interior throughout the day.
  • Mid-morning to Early Afternoon (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): This is generally the best window to witness the most dramatic and direct light ray entering through the oculus, especially on a sunny day.
  • Sunny Days: The effect is most pronounced on clear, sunny days.
  • Equinoxes: Around the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun’s angle can create particularly striking lighting effects.
  • Rainy Days: Even on rainy days, the oculus creates a unique “rain curtain” effect, where the rain falls directly onto the floor, draining away through hidden holes. This is also a fascinating sight.

Hours of Operation

• General Hours: The Pantheon is generally open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Last Entry: Last entry is typically 30 minutes (or sometimes 15 minutes) before closing, so aim to arrive earlier.
• Closures: The Pantheon is usually closed on January 1st, August 15th, and December 25th.
• Religious Celebrations: As it is a functioning church, access may be temporarily suspended or restricted during religious celebrations, such as Mass.
  • Holy Mass: On Saturdays and pre-holidays at 5:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays at 10:30 AM. Access is free for devotees attending these masses, but general tourist visits are interrupted during these times. It’s best to avoid these times if you’re visiting as a tourist. Always check the official website for any changes or special event closures.

Dress Code (As it’s Still a Church)

The Pantheon, consecrated as a Catholic church, requires respectful attire. This is a common rule for religious sites across Italy.

• Modest Attire is Required:
  • Shoulders: Must be covered. Bring a shawl, scarf, or light jacket if you’re wearing astrappy top.
  • Knees: Must be covered. Opt for longer skirts, dresses that fall below the knee, or trousers. Avoid very short shorts or mini-skirts.
  • Cleavage/Belly: Should be covered.
  • Footwear: While there isn’t a strict rule for footwear, closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
• For Children: While young children are generally exempt, teenagers are advised to follow the adult dress code.
• If You’re Not Dressed Appropriately: You may be denied entry. Some vendors outside might sell inexpensive scarves or wraps, but it’s best to come prepared.

By planning your visit according to these guidelines, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring architecture and historical significance of the Pantheon.