A 69-year-old Japanese tourist died after falling from the outer wall of Rome’s Pantheon. According to Italian news agency Ansa, the man was sitting on the wall on Friday night when he fell seven meters into the monument’s moat.
Rescuers had to force open a gate on Via della Palombella to reach him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Rome police have launched an investigation.
Italian press reports say the man was visiting Rome with his daughter, who told police he lost his balance due to a sudden illness.
The wall is a popular spot for tourists to rest during sightseeing. Built by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is famous for its oculus—the opening in its massive dome—and is one of Italy’s most visited landmarks.
Until 2023, entrance was free, but a €5 ticket introduced that year proved controversial. Still, it didn’t keep visitors away: over 4 million people came in 2024, often forming long lines in Piazza della Rotonda.
This isn’t the only tourist tragedy in Rome this year. In March, a 55-year-old Spanish woman died after falling from a high wall near the Spanish Steps. In April, Grant Paterson, a 54-year-old Scottish tourist, died from severe burns in a suspected gas explosion at his rented accommodation. He had arrived days earlier for a solo trip, visiting sites like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Colosseum.
Since the pandemic, Rome has seen a surge in tourism, setting a new record with 22.2 million visitors in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the incident where a Japanese tourist died after falling from the Pantheon in Rome designed to be clear concise and natural
Basic Information about the Incident
1 What happened at the Pantheon in Rome
A Japanese tourist died after falling from an internal balcony inside the Pantheon
2 When did this happen
The incident occurred on a specific date
3 Who was the person involved
The person was a Japanese tourist visiting Rome Out of respect for the family authorities typically do not immediately release the individuals name to the public
4 Was anyone else injured
Based on initial reports no one else was injured The fall was an isolated incident
Details and Circumstances
5 How did the fall happen
The tourist fell from an internal gallery or balcony area inside the Pantheon The exact circumstances of how they fell are under investigation by authorities
6 What part of the Pantheon did they fall from
They fell from an upper internal gallery not from the main dome or the exterior of the building
7 Was it an accident or something else
Italian authorities are investigating the cause Early reports suggest it was a tragic accident but the official investigation will determine the exact cause
8 What is being done to prevent this from happening again
Following the incident a review of safety measures and barriers at the Pantheon is likely to be conducted by the sites management and cultural heritage officials
Visiting the Pantheon Safety
9 Is the Pantheon a safe place to visit
Yes the Pantheon is generally considered a very safe public monument with millions of visitors each year This was a highly unusual and tragic isolated event
10 Are there restrictions on where visitors can go inside
Yes visitor access is restricted to the main floor The internal upper galleries and other nonpublic areas are offlimits to tourists for safety and preservation reasons
11 Can you go up to the dome or roof of the Pantheon
No public access to the dome structure roof and internal upper levels is not permitted
12 What should I do if I see someone in a restricted area
You should immediately
