Sightseeing Tour

How Old Is the Pantheon? The Fascinating History Behind Rome’s Iconic Landmark

The Eternal City of Rome is a place that hosts some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Amongst these, one building stands out as a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of ancient Roman architecture, and that building is the Pantheon. How old is Pantheon? What makes it such a fascinating piece of history? Here, we'll discuss the Pantheon's age, history, and how to visit with the most common questions: Is the Pantheon free? Do you need tickets for Pantheon? How to buy Pantheon tickets. Let's discover the intriguing story of this ancient wonder.

How Old Is the Pantheon?

The Pantheon is one of the oldest and best preserved in Rome. To answer how old is Pantheon, we had to go back in time to 27 BCE. Marcus Agrippa constructed the original Pantheon during the reign of Augustus. This was over 2,000 years ago. However, the building that we see in the picture today is not the original Pantheon. In 80 CE, a fire destroyed the first Pantheon.

Emperor Hadrian rebuilt the current Pantheon around 126 CE, almost 1,900 years ago. That is how old the Pantheon in Rome is today, approximately 1,900 years. However, it remains remarkably intact and is a testament to the advanced engineering and construction techniques of the ancient Romans.

The Fascinating History of the Pantheon

The history of the Pantheon is as rich as it is long. Originally a temple honouring all the Roman gods (the word "Pantheon" comes from the Greek words "pan," meaning "all," and "theos," meaning "gods"), it has been used for different purposes throughout the centuries. In 609 CE, following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Pantheon transformed into a Christian church. This saved the building from much of the devastation that occurred during the fall of many other ancient Roman structures.

The design of the Pantheon is revolutionary. It has a huge dome with an oculus and a circular opening at the top. This architectural marvel was the world's largest dome for over a millennium and remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built. The oculus not only provided natural light but also symbolized the connection between the temple and the heavens.

The Architectural Marvel of the Pantheon

Pantheon boasts revolutionary architecture. It is most remarkable in terms of its huge dome feature, which made it the largest in the world over 1,300 years ago. Today it remains the biggest unreinforced concrete dome ever.

The oculus, a circular opening at the center of the dome, allows natural light to illuminate the interior. This engineering masterpiece demonstrates the incredible skills of ancient Roman architects. Besides, Corinthian columns, made of Egyptian granite, support its grand entrance.

The Evolution of the Pantheon Over the Centuries

Discussing how old is Pantheon, one has to acknowledge that its role has changed with time. First of all, the Pantheon served as a temple to all the Roman gods, as its name translates from Greek to mean “all gods.”

In 609 CE, the Byzantine Emperor Phocas donated the Pantheon to Pope Boniface IV, who converted it into a Christian church. This transformation helped preserve the structure from looting and destruction that befell many other ancient Roman buildings.

During the Renaissance period, the Pantheon was dedicated to burying such celebrated figures and dignitaries; one notable instance is when artists like Raphael or Italian kings. Today, it serves as a basilica known as St. Mary and Martyrs Church.

Is Pantheon Free to Visit?

The most common question visitors usually ask is, "Is it free to enter the Pantheon?" For decades, it was available for free entrance to this once-functioning church. Starting from the year 2023, the Italian government started collecting an entry fee, which was considered necessary for the maintenance of this attraction and its preservation for future tourists. So, it was once available free of charge to anyone who would like to come and have a look at the place.

Do You Need Tickets for Pantheon?

Yes, do you need a ticket to visit the Pantheon? This is more of a contemporary question for tourists. As reflected above, the Pantheon is not free to enter. A ticket fee covers everyone's visit. It would be wise to order tickets in advance if one has visited during high seasons of tourism. This ticket money will pay for the maintenance of this historic monument, thus saving it for future generations.

How to Buy Pantheon Tickets

If you plan a visit, you may be asking which ticket you can buy to visit the Pantheon. Luckily, the process is very simple. The tickets are available online at the official website of the Pantheon or the ticket office in front of the entrance. Online booking is a must unless you want to wait in line for hours since this place is among the top visited sites in Rome.

You would wonder how you could obtain tickets for the Pantheon. Fortunately, obtaining the tickets is a straightforward process. They are readily available both at the official website and from a ticket booth nearby. The good news is that we recommend booking in advance online to avoid the sometimes unbearable queues at this renowned landmark. You can purchase tickets such as Rome: Skip the Line Pantheon ticket + Audioguide to make your trip unforgettable.

Exploring the Pantheon: What to See

The Pantheon's majesty will astound you once you enter the building. Here are some of the top things to see:

The Dome and Oculus: The Pantheon's dome is an engineering marvel. The oculus, 8.7 meters in diameter, brings light into the building through its hole, making for a stunning sight.
The Interior: There are beautiful marble floors and columns inside the Pantheon. Niche spaces for Roman gods now have Christian altars and other artworks.
The Tombs: The Pantheon is the resting place of some famous persons, including the Renaissance artist Raphael and two Italian kings.
The Portico: The huge columns at the entrance are striking features, all carved out of a single granite piece.

Why the Pantheon Is a Must-Visit

The Pantheon is not a dead historical monument, but it's a piece of history alive today that evokes awe and wonder. It's an old historical monument that embodies architectural brilliance, so anyone who travels to Rome must see this. History enthusiast, architecture fan, or simple traveller—everyone finds something for themselves at the Pantheon.

Interesting Facts About the Pantheon

Apart from how old the Pantheon is, here are some very interesting facts about it:

The oculus functions both as a natural light and as a drainage system for the rain.
This ancient building has stood for almost 1,900 years yet is still standing tall as the biggest unreinforced concrete dome.
The Pantheon has no windows; all lighting comes through the oculus.
They removed the Pantheon's bronze ceiling to construct the famous Baldachin for St. Peter's Basilica.

The Pantheon Through the Seasons

Another point to take into consideration when asking how old the Pantheon in Rome is would be how this building endures the different seasonal and weather settings. The oculus, although a source of natural light, also lets water into the building. However, the floor of the Pantheon is slightly convex in shape, with holes letting out water with much efficiency. This ingenious design ensures that the structure does not collapse after nearly 1,900 years of exposure to the elements.

The Pantheon’s Role in Roman Religion and Culture

To get a feel for how old the Pantheon is, it helps to understand what it was and how it fits into Roman religion and culture. The Pantheon was originally a place of worship and ceremony for all the gods of Rome, but it later became a church in the 7th century and served an important purpose. Today it is something of both a religious site and a symbol of Rome's incredible history.

The Pantheon at Night: A Unique Experience

Although most tourists visit the Pantheon in the daytime, the night presents a different perspective. The oculus allows moonlight to illuminate the interior of the Pantheon. There are occasionally special evening tours, offering an excellent chance to view the Pantheon under new lighting conditions. That is why the knowledge of how old Pantheon is is so interesting and has been able to stand out for ages with its beauty.

Conclusion

So, how old is Pantheon? According to our new findings, the current one is nearly 1,900 years old, which makes it one of the oldest, most preserved buildings in the world. It has such an intriguing history that it's rich in architectural talent and cultural treasure, which places it on everybody's must-see list when visiting the city of Rome. Even though the entry tickets are small, the opportunity they provide makes the cost worthwhile.

From admiring the dome to exploring the tombs, its allure is irresistible. In case you ever plan to go to Rome, do not miss visiting the Pantheon. With this guide on how to book Pantheon tickets, you're prepared for an unforgettable trip to this magnificent monument. For a more relaxing experience, you can book the Rome: Pantheon Fast-Track Entry Ticket with Audio Guide and explore Rome’s best-preserved landmark with the help of an audio guide.