A 69-year-old Japanese tourist has died after falling from the outer wall of the Pantheon in Rome. The man plunged seven metres into the ancient landmark's moat on Friday night after suddenly becoming unwell and losing his balance, according to the Italian news agency Ansa.
Rescuers were forced to open a gate on the Via della Palombella to reach the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The tourist was visiting Rome with his daughter, who told police he fell after being overcome by a sudden illness.
The outer wall of the Pantheon is often crowded with tourists taking a break from sightseeing. The ancient monument, built by Emperor Hadrian and famous for its oculus, remains one of Italy's most visited attractions. Entrance was free until 2023, when a €5 fee was introduced. Despite the charge, over four million people visited the site in 2024.
This incident is not the only tragedy to strike tourists in Rome this year. In March, a 55-year-old Spanish woman died after falling from a wall near the Spanish Steps. In April, Scottish tourist Grant Paterson, 54, died from severe burns in a suspected gas explosion at his rented accommodation. Rome saw a record 22.2 million arrivals in 2024, continuing a post-pandemic tourism boom.
