Rome's Pantheon to charge entry fees benefitting charity and preservation: Direct train to Pompeii in the works

Starting next month, visitors must pay an entrance fee at the Pantheon, as announced by the Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, at a forum in Apulia. He clarified that the revenue from ticket sales would be channeled towards supporting charity cafeterias for the underprivileged and preserving the monument.

An agreement on the issue was reached by the ministry and the governing body of the temple back in March. It was determined that the monument needs renovation and preservation, requiring additional financial resources.

These aren't the only changes being introduced for tourists this season. In an effort to attract visitors to the monuments, transportation has also been given consideration.

The Minister of Culture announced that a direct train from Rome to Pompeii is slated to commence operations on July 16. Entrance to this monument is also ticketed. The ticket office is conveniently located within the archaeological park itself.

Until recently, reaching the location necessitated transferring transport. The minimum fare for a train ticket from Rome Termini to Pompeii is 14.80 euros, approximately $18.

The Pantheon is a temple buzzing with the spirit of history, boasting a life of over 2,000 years. Initially revered as a place of worship for Roman gods, Christians took it over in the 6th century. Among others, it is the resting place of famed painter Rafael Santi.

The fees levied for entrance to the Pantheon are relatively nominal. It was decided that a regular ticket would retail at 5 euros (about $6), while those aged 25 or younger would pay 2 euros (around $2.40). Entry will continue to be free for children and young people up to 18 years of age.