The Eternal Charm of the Pantheon Neighbourhood

• HelloCiao
  [Chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [Ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [See]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [Pear fah-voh-reh/Preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [Grah-tsee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [Mee skoo-zee/Skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [Koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [Beh-neh. Eh too?]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [Pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [Non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [Vohr-eh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [Non man-joh car-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [Sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [Vohr-eh-ee pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [Ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [Vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [Kya-mah lah poh-lee-tsee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [Kya-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [Mee soh-no pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illSto male
  [Stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [Vohr-eh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [Stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [Kwan-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [Eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [Pwoh-ee ahb-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [Keh oh-reh soh-no]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [Eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [Soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [Maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [Poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [Seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [Yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [Oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [Doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Due
  [Dweh]
• 3Tre
  [Treh]
• 4Quattro
  [Kwaht-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [Cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [Say]
• 7Sette
  [Set-teh]
• 8Otto
  [Oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [Noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [Dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [Doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [Kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [Pwoh-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [Kwan-doh eh eel prohs-shee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [Oon bee-lyet-toh (pair)]

The Pantheon, originally built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, served as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. The structure we see today is a result of reconstruction by Emperor Hadrian around 120 AD, showcasing innovative Roman engineering with its massive dome and oculus, which remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

In the 7th century, the Pantheon was consecrated as a Christian church, known as Santa Maria ad Martyres. This transformation played a critical role in its preservation, as many ancient Roman structures were repurposed or destroyed during the Middle Ages. The church status helped maintain not only the building but also its cultural significance within the city.

During the Renaissance, the Pantheon inspired countless artists and architects, including Bramante and Michelangelo. Its harmonious proportions and grandeur influenced the design of numerous Renaissance buildings, establishing the Pantheon as a symbol of the revival of classical architecture in Rome and beyond.

In the 18th century, the Pantheon became a place of pilgrimage for artists and thinkers of the Enlightenment. Its significance grew as it was seen not only as a religious site but also as a monument to human achievement and the power of reason, attracting attention from philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau.

Today, the Pantheon stands as a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. It serves not only as a church but also as a mausoleum for several Italian kings and the famous painter Raphael, highlighting its enduring legacy and importance in both Roman history and global culture.

The Pantheon is centrally located in Rome, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From Termini Station, take Metro Line A to Barberini and then walk about 15 minutes to the Pantheon. Alternatively, buses 30, 81, and 87 also stop nearby. If you are coming from Vatican City, you can take bus 64 directly to the stop at Largo di Torre Argentina, which is a short walk from the Pantheon.

The Pantheon neighborhood is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly areas. Public transport options include buses and trams. The local ATAC buses service the area, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks or on buses. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or electric scooter, available through various apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also convenient for longer distances.

The Pantheon area is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep valuables secure. Be particularly cautious in crowded places, as pickpocketing can occur, especially around major tourist attractions like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. It’s advisable to steer clear of less populated alleyways late at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Ospedale Santo Spirito, located a short taxi ride away. Always have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting the Pantheon and other churches. Avoid wearing beachwear or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect the sacred nature of the Pantheon, which is a church. Always maintain a quiet demeanor inside. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t stand in front of the doors and block others from exiting. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'. Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy gelato from local vendors. Don’t eat or drink in the Pantheon; it’s disrespectful.

To experience the Pantheon like a local, visit nearby cafes for a morning espresso and cornetto. Attend an evening mass at the Pantheon for a unique atmosphere and to see the building lit up at night. Explore the surrounding areas, such as Piazza Navona and the Jewish Ghetto, for authentic Roman cuisine. Engage with local artisans selling crafts in the area, and don't hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations.