Guided Tour Of The Pantheon

Tour overview

Guided Tour of The Pantheon

This private tour will showcase the best-preserved monument in Rome and tell of its 2,000-year-long history, beginning when General Marcus Agrippa commissioned the first Pantheon, facing north, which was burned down in 80 AD. Hadrian rebuilt it in the 2nd century AD as a pagan temple to all gods. This is the only building in Rome that has a church inside a temple, and you will notice that many other churches and buildings in the world are inspired by it.

In this guided tour you will get some fascinating facts about the Pantheon, such as why the hole on the top is open, what the building was originally used for, what important people are buried inside, and much more.

We will go through the only original doors in Rome, dating from the 2nd century, and examine the unique architecture, made from the concrete that the Romans invented. This building was intended to worship the gods: it was about the divine. The use of colors and stone inside is impressive, but the most exciting feature is one called the Oculus, through which a beam of light shines at noon and lines up with the floor. The next surprise lies towards the left side of the building, where we will find Raphael Sanzio buried.

Keep in mind that the Pantheon is still in use as a church, called the Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, so sometimes there is a mass being done inside and visitors have to be very quiet. One thing you’ll love is the chance to hear what happens during the festivities of the Christian holiday of Pentecost, celebrated on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. Every June 5, you also have a chance to see the greatest show ever appearing through the hole in the ceiling, but we can’t tell you exactly what it is until you book this guided tour! Our guide will also show a brief, one-minute video at the end of the tour.

You can admire the 16 monolithic columns that came from Egypt, as well as an original obelisk that stands in front of the Pantheon and decorates the beautiful Piazza della Rotunda, which was commissioned by Pope Clement XI from Giacomo della Porta, a student of Michelangelo. On the right side of the square you have one of the best salami shops in Italy; try a quick bite after the tour or maybe sit down for a coffee in one of the many expansive bars and restaurants of Rome. The view here in front of the Pantheon is gorgeous.

To end this tour with great rase, our guide will walk you to Giolitti, the best gelato shop in Rome. There’s always a line, but it’s worth waiting because once you try their gelato, you‘ll know the difference between a true Italian gelato and an imitator! We also highly recommend viewing the Pantheon from the back, because it has such a different perspective, and of course stopping into the most famous tea store in Rome, where you’ll find the most unique flavors ever.

This will be an unforgettable journey through the Pantheon with the guides of Eden Walks. We skip the line and use headsets, so you get to hear the guide while you’re taking photos of all the sights. Discover every secret of the Pantheon and make memories that will last forever.