According to write The Times, Italy's culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, called the decision a display of "common sense" and "a modest fee for the most visited cultural site in Italy".
The latter is not an exaggeration — in 2019, the building was visited by 9 million visitors. Visitors under the age of 25 will be charged €2, the rest €5. 70% of the revenue will go to the government and the rest to the Roman Diocese.
At the same time, the entrance to the temple will remain free for children, residents of Rome, staff of the basilica and people who attend church masses.
Built by Emperor Hadrian in the II century. N. e., the Pantheon has functioned as a church since 609 AD, meaning masses are held as tourists simply stroll past to admire the world's largest unreinforced dome.
The publication notes that there has been a long-standing debate in Rome about whether visitors should pay an entrance fee.
In 2017, the idea of introducing a €2 entrance fee was dropped after critics said it would set the trend for other churches in Rome to charge, following the example of countries such as the UK, where St Paul's costs £23 to enter .
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