Japanese Tourist Dies After Falling from Outer Wall of Rome's Pantheon

69-Year-Old Man Traveling With His Daughter
Fell 7 Meters Into a Ditch After Sudden Dizziness

A Japanese tourist died after falling at the ancient Pantheon in Rome, Italy.

According to reports from CNN and other foreign media on the 25th (local time), at around 9:50 p.m. the previous night, a 69-year-old Japanese male tourist who was sitting on the outer wall railing surrounding the Pantheon fell approximately 7 meters into a ditch below. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving a report and broke through the iron gate to reach him, but he was already deceased. His daughter, who was traveling with him, told police that "my father suddenly felt dizzy, lost his balance, and fell."

The scene of a fall accident near the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, where access is restricted. Rome (Italy=EPA Yonhap News)

The police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident and are reviewing the site’s CCTV footage. However, CNN reported that authorities do not suspect foul play. The accident site is an area where many tourists sit and rest.

The Pantheon has been one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 4 million visitors last year alone, even after paid admission was introduced in 2023. Originally built around 27 BC by Agrippa and later rebuilt between 118 and 125 AD under Emperor Hadrian, the name Pantheon comes from Greek, meaning "temple for all gods." Initially a temple for Roman deities, the Pantheon was converted into a Catholic church by Pope Boniface IV in 609.

Pantheon. Pixabay

Because the ground level of ancient Rome was several meters lower than today, the current Pantheon appears to be situated in a deep excavation. As a result, there is a 7-meter-deep ditch between the Pantheon’s outer wall and the modern sidewalk. Police noted that there have been several incidents in recent years where people have fallen into this ditch.

Meanwhile, there have been a series of fatal accidents involving tourists in Rome recently. In March of this year, a 55-year-old Spanish female tourist died after falling near the Spanish Steps, and in April, a 54-year-old male tourist from Scotland died while being treated for injuries sustained in a gas explosion at his accommodation.