The Pantheon was built in the first century BC
Monuments of ancient Rome, how much tourists will now have to pay to visit the Pantheon
This temple with an impressive dome is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and is visited by millions of people every year. It was converted to a Catholic church in 609 AD, renamed the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Martyrs, and masses are regularly held there.
Tourists in Rome visiting the Pantheon will soon be charged an entrance fee of five euros, according to an agreement signed last Thursday by the Italian Ministry of Culture and church officials.
Revenues will be shared: the Ministry of Culture will receive 70 percent to cover maintenance and cleaning costs, with the remainder going to the Diocese of Rome.
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said the move was a matter of “common sense”. The introduction of the admission fee comes five years after the previous government shelved plans to start charging visitors two euros each.
Under the new plan, visitors under 25 will pay a reduced rate of two euros. Entrance will be free for residents of Rome, minors, people attending mass, and staff at the basilica.
The date for the introduction of the fee has not been announced while officials are working out the technical details. Admission is currently free, but pre-registration is required on weekends and holidays.