On page 180 of Rick Steves' ROME guidebook, Pantheon Tour under "Getting There" it reads "Taxis and buses stop at a chaotic square called Largo Argentina, a few blocks south of the Pantheon--from here you can walk north...to the Pantheon." Does this mean (as it seems to say) taxis cannot or will not take you right to the Pantheon? That you have to walk in? I see on Google Maps taxis and a taxi stand right next to the Pantheon. I would appreciate clarification. Can you take a taxi directly right up to the Pantheon or do you have to walk from Largo Argentina as seemed to be suggested in the guidebook? Thanks.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
There is a closer taxi stand if you want to pick up a taxi near the Pantheon. Once you are in a taxi, too, the driver will try to take you as close as possible to where you ask to go, within the limits of the pedestrian-only, one-way, or otherwise restricted streets.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you Laura. What I want to do is take a taxi from our hotel directly to the Pantheon. Is that possible? My concern is that the 2014 edition to Rick Steves' ROME guidebook seems to say that taxis only go as far as Largo Argentina and you have to walk the rest of the way. What I would like is confirmation that is the case or have I misunderstood what is in the guidebook? There are photos online of a taxi stand right next to the Pantheon but I realize things do change. Do/can taxis take people right to the Pantheon? Thanks.
Posted by
Central Florida
484 posts
Largo Argentina isn't that bad. We stayed at a hotel next to it and caught a few buses there. The Pantheon is only a 3 minute walk down Argentina street. There is another street which parallels it. Both lead to Pantheon. Don't be afraid of Largo Argentina or the short stroll.
Plus, you can walk across the street and see the Roman Ruins of Largo Argentina. Archaeologists believe Julius Ceasar was assassinated there. There are plaquards to explain the ruins. Funny fact, the Italians use the ruins as a cat rescue center. So, you will see some cute kitties crawling across the 4 small Roman temples.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
A taxi can take you to a few meters distant from the entrance to the Pantheon. No need to walk all the way in from Largo Argentina.
Posted by
San Diego, CA
344 posts
Unless you have mobility issues, I would simply take the taxi to largo Argentina, which is a square, not nearly as big as Times Square. It is a 3 minute walk to the Pantheon and with all the traffic congestion and one way streets it may be faster! My kids loved the area where the cats were located, right there in the Largo Argentina, beside all the taxis and bus stops, I hope you have a chance to see them.
The Pantheon is wonderful and my family appreciated Rick Steve's free audio guide (download while you have access to WiFi and listen while in the Pantheon).
Posted by
San Diego, CA
344 posts
PS. If you are going to the Pantheon, you might want to peek in to a church just one block away: St Ignatius de Loyola. Look at the images and reviews on TripAdvisor where it is one of the top attrractions; note the many 5 star reviews.
Oneof the amazing things is the Church's large interior dome...is actually ...flat! Amazing optical illusion that even those who may not routinely like "art" will be intrigued. . On TripA it is called Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola. it only takes a minute to look, and not crowded.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
I have taken a cab to the Hotel du Pantheon which is directly facing the Pantheon...no more than 40 steps to the entrance!