A Japanese tourist has died after falling from the outer wall of the Pantheon in Rome.
The 69-year-old man was reportedly sitting on the wall on Friday night (local time) when he fell approximately seven metres into the monument’s moat, according to Italian news agency Ansa.
Emergency responders forced open a gate on Via della Palombella to reach him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Local police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Italian media reported the man was visiting Rome with his daughter, who told authorities he may have suffered a sudden illness that caused him to lose balance.
The wall surrounding the Pantheon is a popular resting spot for tourists, often crowded with visitors taking a break from sightseeing.
Built by Roman emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of Italy’s most visited landmarks, renowned for its massive dome and central oculus.
In 2023, a €5 entry fee was introduced, sparking controversy but doing little to deter visitors.
More than four million people visited the site in 2024, with long queues regularly forming in Piazza della Rotonda.
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