This was the most beautiful old church we saw in Rome,we had a private rented apartment only a few mins walk from it.But we could never seemto be there when mass was going on. You really should visit the Pantheon in Rome.

The Pantheon was built 2 millennia ago. This domed temple served as the model for Michelangelo's dome of St. Peter's, the Florence cathedral dome and the dome of Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Building. Entrance is free and is open Mon - Sat 8:30 am - 7:30 pm, Sun 9 am - 6 pm and Holidays 9 am - 1 pm. It closes for Mass Sat at 5 pm & Sun at 10:30 am. The audioguide is 3 E for 25min. You can download it free on Rick Steves Website.

The 40 ft high columns at the entrance to the Pantheon are made from a single piece of red-gray granite. They were taken from an Egyptian Temple. The oculus, or eye-in-the-sky is the buildings only light source and is 30 ft across. This building holds the tombs of the artist Raphael and the tombs of modern Italy's first 2 kings...Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I. Under Umberto lies his Queen Margherita.

I can't imagine a trip to Rome without a visit to this exquisite building. We sat each night in this lively square across from the Pantheon, the fountain & obelisk and relaxed with a drink & a snack at one of the several caffe's there and listened to a parade of street entertainers after a long day of sightseeing. This is a not-to-be-missed site.

This is quite a large building that is still standing and in good shape despite being built in the Roman era. The facade is imposing with the large columns making a glorious facade. The pantheon is quite large but very crowded being one of the most visited places in Rome. The piazza infront has a couple of expensive restaurants and a McDonalds. There is also a small obelisk and a tap where you can refill with fresh water. The Pantheon has been converted into a church and there are also some tombs such as that of the artist Raffaello and of 2 Italian kings. Be sure to see the hole in the ceiling through which light passes and the small holes in the ground just underneath the ceiling through which rainwater drains. Definitely a must - admission is free of charge and you are allowed to take photographs.

Located in a busy area of city with shops and restaurants, the Pantheon should not be missed by a traveler to Rome. From the outside, it is well preserved. Walking under the portico, look up to see the detail in the stonework. The interior is interesting for the tombs, including Rapheal and Vittorio Emanuele. The Pantheon is the oldest church in a city full of old churches, and there is a sense of history to this building. Back outside, be sure to walk to the back and see the Roman street, several meters below the modern pavement. Entry is free and photography is permitted.