ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

STARTT Opens New Archaeological Entrance Behind Rome's Pantheon

architecture-design · 2026-04-19

The first phase of a project aimed at providing public access to the archaeological sites behind Rome's Pantheon has been completed by the Italian architecture firm STARTT. This initiative, known as Pantheon – Micro Architectures for Archaeology, is backed by the Italian Ministry of Culture and is part of a program that began in 2019. Visitors can now enter through a new access point at the Pozzo del Diavolo, situated behind the Rotunda, which opens up areas of the building's archaeological structure that were previously off-limits. Originally constructed by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon stands as a significant symbol of Greek culture and Roman engineering. STARTT's design emphasizes micro-architectures to enhance visitor engagement while maintaining the site's historical authenticity.

Key facts

  • STARTT designed a new entrance to the archaeological areas behind the Pantheon in Rome.
  • The project is titled Pantheon – Micro Architectures for Archaeology.
  • It was promoted by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
  • The program of interventions began in 2019.
  • The new entrance is located at the Pozzo del Diavolo behind the Rotunda.
  • Previously, these areas were reserved for technical functions.
  • The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian.
  • The Pantheon is a symbol of the Roman Empire and combines Greek culture and Roman technique.

Entities

Artists

  • Emperor Hadrian
  • Simone Capra
  • Alessandro Penso
  • Stefano Boeri
  • Serena Mignatti
  • Thom Yorke
  • Dajana Roncione

Institutions

  • STARTT
  • Italian Ministry of Culture
  • Basilica of Neptune
  • Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres
  • Directorate of National Museums of the city of Rome
  • Stefano Boeri Interiors
  • Dezeen

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Pantheon
  • Pozzo del Diavolo
  • Rotunda
  • Devil's Moat
  • Colosseum

Sources