The entrance fee will not apply to worshippers.

The former Roman temple was built by statesman Marcus Agrippa around 25 BC and consecrated as a place of Catholic worship dedicated to Santa Maria ad Martyres in 609.

Rome residents, minors and other special categories including disabled visitors and the people accompanying them will also be exempt from payment.

People aged 18-25 will be able to access the monument at a reduced price of two euros.

Under the agreement, 70 per cent of the income generated through ticket sales will go to the culture ministry, who are responsible for maintaining the Pantheon.

Thirty per cent will go to the diocese of Rome, who will use the money for charity and the mainteinance and restoration of other state-owned churches located within its area.

The entrance fee will be enforced once technical provisions have been made relating to ticket sales.

ANSA