Rome's Pantheon charges for tourist entry

A view of the Pantheon in Rome. From this week the visit to the most visited cultural site in Italy with nine million visitors a year is subject to a fee and the cost of the ticket is 5 euros but remains free for residents of Rome. Photo: AFP

Rome's 2,000-year-old Pantheon started charging for entrance on Monday, with tourists paying five euros (RM25.40) to see Italy's most visited cultural site.

The building, one of the city's oldest and best loved, is currently a consecrated church and part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the diocese of Rome, while the rest will go to the culture ministry.