Rome's Pantheon to Charge Entry Fee: A Mistake

Italy's Ministry of Culture has finalized a new convention with the Chapter of the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres to introduce an entry fee for the Pantheon. The fee, capped at €5 (previously set at €2), will be split 70% to the Ministry of Culture and 30% to the Diocese of Rome. Exemptions include minors under 18, protected categories, teachers with school groups, residents of Rome, and worshippers. Young people up to 25 will pay €2. The decision, announced in January by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano and continuing predecessor Dario Franceschini's 2017 agreement, was signed by Massimo Osanna (Director General of Museums), Mariastella Margozzi (Director of State Museums of Rome), and Monsignor Angelo Frigerio (Chamberlain), in the presence of Minister Sangiuliano and Auxiliary Bishop of Rome Monsignor Daniele Libanori. Critics argue the fee erodes civic rights and excludes residents of the broader metropolitan area and Lazio region who work and study in Rome but live beyond the Grande Raccordo Anulare due to high housing costs and poor public transport. The measure is seen as classist and could set a precedent for charging entry to other historic churches in central Rome, threatening the city's character as an open-air museum.