Top 10 Things to Do Near Pantheon Rome

The Pantheon in Rome is near many other attractions, and there are plenty of things to do in the vicinity.

From churches, famous squares (streets), iconic landmarks, and fun myths to try out with fountains, you can plan a full-day itinerary with your Pantheon visit.

Have a fabulous day checking out the sights and sounds of Rome.

We have researched and curated a list of all the fun things to do near the Roman Pantheon to enhance your experience.

What to see and do near Pantheon

1. Roman Colosseum

Rome’s most famous classical ruin, the Colosseum, is just a 20-minute walk from the Pantheon. 

The Roman Colosseum, half a circus and half a sports area was inaugurated in the 1st century AD. 

Seating over 50,000 people in its neatly arranged stands, it started the tradition of fights between men and beasts.

Visited by six million people annually, it is the largest one ever built in the world, despite its age.

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Rome Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome.

Built in the year 72, it is a reminder of the brutality of the Roman Empire, but it is also a symbol of its power and wealth. 

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and a must-see for any visitor to Rome, Italy.

During the Roman Empire, the Colosseum represented the era’s motto, “ Bread and Circus.”

It served as the base of entertainment where exhibitions of exotic animals, executions of prisoners, recreations of battles and gladiator fights took place.

The amphitheater was active for about 500 years before being subjected to earthquakes, looting and World War II.

Today, on every Good Friday, the Pope leads the way to the Cross Procession in the Colosseum.

Unburying and celebrating its past as a church and honoring the Christians who died in this arena.

If you wish to tour ancient churches, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, buy a combo tour of the Pantheon and Colosseum for €78.

2. Roman Forum

Located between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is the center of Roman citizens’ political and social activity.

It was the site of many important events, including celebrations and festivals, funerals and rituals, and political and legal gatherings.

Interestingly, after the empire’s fall, it was forgotten and buried under the earth until the 20th-century excavation.

Today, the Roman Forum is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can see the ruins of temples, government buildings, and other structures from the ancient world.

Here are some of the most important landmarks in the Roman Forum:

• The Arch of Titus: This arch was built in the 1st century AD to commemorate the victory of Titus over the Jews in the First Jewish-Roman War.
  
• The Temple of Jupiter: It was the largest and most important temple in the Roman Forum. It was dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods.
  
• The Curia Julia: This building was the seat of the Roman Senate.
  
• The Rostra: This platform was used by Roman orators to give speeches to the public.
  
• The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine: It was one of the largest buildings in the Roman Forum and was used for public gatherings and legal proceedings.

Given its vast size, the best way to explore the forum will be via a guided tour.

As a guide, it will help you understand its importance, and you will be able to see all the nearby highlights like the Colosseum and Pantheon.

3. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a beautiful baroque square in Rome, located just a few minutes from the Pantheon. 

It is lined with restaurants, cafes, and street artists and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The square is home to three beautiful fountains:

• The Fountain of the Four Rivers: This fountain was designed by Bernini and is one of the most iconic fountains in Rome.
  
  It features four statues representing the four major rivers of the world: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Río de la Plata.
  
  
• The Fountain of Neptune: This fountain was designed by Giacomo della Porta and features a statue of Neptune riding a seahorse.
  
  
• The Fountain of the Moro: This fountain was designed by Giacomo della Porta and features a statue of a Moor holding a cornucopia.

This historical spot is quite popular among visitors for its beautiful fountains, an ancient church, street performers, and more.

Created by Roman architects like Borromini and Bernini, Piazza Navona is one of the best things to do near the Pantheon of Rome.

It is an excellent place for history enthusiasts or people looking to relax.

Most visitors come here to try out tasty drinks and authentic meals from the best restaurants that line up the Piazza.

4. Trevi Fountain

If you are bored of throwing your coins in the mall’s fountains, don’t worry, as Rome has the real deal for you.

Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful and massive Baroque fountains, where water flows from rocks under the feet of Neptune, Triton, and seahorses into a large pool. 

It originated in 19 B.C. and is one of the popular things to do near Pantheon Rome. It is the largest fountain in the world.

The fountain is just a 5-minute walk from the Pantheon, and coin-tossing tourists surround it.

The fountain got its name Trevi from Tre Vie (three ways), as it was a meeting point for three streets during the old days.

Apart from its usage, Trevi is also famous for its coin myth, which goes as follows:

• If you throw one coin, you will return to Rome
• After the second coin, you will fall in love with an attractive Italian
• If you throw three coins, you will marry the person you meet

It is the city’s most beautiful fountain, making it worth a visit.

5. The Church of S. M. Sopra Minerva

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is a beautiful Gothic church just a few steps from the Pantheon in Rome. 

It is the only Gothic church in Rome, home to some important works of art, including Michelangelo’s statue of the Risen Christ.

The church was built in the 13th century on the site of a former temple to Minerva. It was originally a Dominican church but later transferred to the Jesuits. 

It was renovated in the 17th century by Carlo Maderno, who added a Baroque facade.

The interior of the church is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. 

The nave is Gothic, with pointed arches and ribbed vaults. The choir is Baroque, with a dome and elaborate decorations.

We highly recommend adding this basilica if you wish to do a Roman church tour.

Also, you can even combine it with your visit and things to do near the Pantheon Rome, turning it into a full-day tour.

6. Galleria Borghese

Located in a vast park in Rome, it contains masterpieces by some of the greatest artists of all time, such as Bernini, Titian, Raphael, Correggio, and Rubens.

The Borghese Gallery is mainly known for its collection of Bernini sculptures. 

In the museum, a sculpture depicts the Greek God Apollo chasing after Daphne, who had been transformed into a laurel tree to escape him.

Another must-see at the Galleria Borghese is Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love, which depicts a young woman sitting between two figures: one dressed in white and the other in red. 

The painting has been interpreted in many ways but is generally considered an allegory of love.

In addition to its collection of paintings and sculptures, the Galleria Borghese also houses a collection of ancient Roman and Renaissance art. 

The museum also has a beautiful garden, which is worth a visit in its own right.

7. Cocktails At Salotto 42

After visiting and completing all the things to do near Pantheon Rome, you deserve a cocktail break.

Walking the streets of Rome in the evening at Piazza Navona, you will notice the small outlet of Salotto 42.

Despite its small size, it is often flanked by tourists, given its services, delicious beverages and interiors.

Known as the hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar, it is famous for its aperitivo and craft cocktails.

We highly recommend you stop by for a glass of wine or a cocktail to have a chance to soak up the local vibe.

8. Vatican City and Museums

Vatican City is an independent city-state located in Rome, Italy and has a population of around 800 people, including the Pope.

A must-see in Vatican City is the Vatican Museums, which date back to the early 16th century.

Alongside St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums offer visitors a wealth of art exhibits.

With over 70,000 artifacts in the collection, the Vatican is one of the world’s largest and oldest museums, attracting over 2.5 million visitors worldwide each year.

Out of this huge collection, 20,000 are displayed prominently in over 54 galleries.

The Vatican Museums are a vast complex of galleries and museums that showcase spectacular sculptures, frescoes, paintings, classical antiquities, and tapestries. 

The museums are home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms.

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. 

The chapel is best known for its ceiling, decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.

9. Castel Sant’Angelo

While a majority of the monuments from the Roman era are in ruins, Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome has managed to stand the test of time for almost 2,000 years. 

This unique monument has had several structural and architectural transformations throughout history.

Starting as the tomb of Roman Emperor Hadrian to eventually become a fortress, the Pope’s residence, a prison, and finally, a museum. 

The museum houses artwork, frescoes, sculptures, and much more from various moments in Roman history.

If you are in Rome, you can combine this attraction with the Pantheon to maximize your visit.

You can visit the Pantheon Rome and Castel Sant’ Angelo for just 36 Euros by booking your combo ticket online.

10. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Three museums in Rome are dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, but the most popular one is the Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum, located near St. Peter’s Basilica.

This museum houses a collection of life-size replicas of da Vinci’s works and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about his inventions and discoveries.

It has around 20 life-size replicas of da Vinci’s original works, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

The museum is divided into five thematic areas. Each area focuses on a different aspect of da Vinci’s work. 

For example, the Flight focuses on da Vinci’s interest in aviation, and The War Machine focuses on da Vinci’s designs for military machines.

In addition to the replicas of da Vinci’s work, the museum has around 50 machines based on da Vinci’s sketches and plans. 

These machines are fully functional, and visitors can try them out.

The Leonardo da Vinci Experience is a great place to learn about da Vinci’s work and to experience his inventions firsthand. 

It is a must-see for any Rome visitor interested in art, science, or history.

You can buy an individual ticket or combine it with the Pantheon to see the most famous attractions of Rome at just 25 Euros.

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