It will cost two euros to get
into the Pantheon from May 2, according to an accord signed
Monday by the culture ministry and the Vicariate of Rome.
The accord was signed in the presence of Culture Minister
Dario Franceschini and the Vicar for the Rome Diocese Msg Angelo
De Donatis.
The ministry said the entry fee will be used to "better
valorise and safeguard the monument, as well as help maintenance
costs and guarantee better security during visits".
Entry will continue to be free for those attending religious
services in the iconic ancient Roman monument, which is now a
church.
Deputy Rome Mayor Luca Bergamo said he would ask for the
"sad" measure to be revoked.
If it is not, he voiced the hope that the ministry would set
aside funds to cover the cost of monitoring the queues which
will inevitably form outside the storied site.
The Pantheon, originally a temple to all the Roman gods, is
one of Rome's most iconic monuments.
It contains the tomb of Renaissance painter Raphael.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA