Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon in Rome serves as a reminder of the might and power of the once reigning empire. It was considered one of the most monumental temples in the city: pagans prayed here until the 7th century, and Christians afterward. Now the Pantheon is included in the list of the main sights of Rome. It is the only sanctuary in the world, which has survived to this day almost in pristine condition.

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Video: Pantheon in Rome

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History of the Pantheon

The initiative to erect the main temple of the Roman Empire belonged to the commander Marcus Agrippa. The statesman launched a large-scale construction campaign after the defeat of Cleopatra and Antony’s fleet in the battle of Cape Actium in 31 B.C. According to the commander’s plan, the Pantheon was to become part of the architectural complex on the Field of Mars. As legend has it, the temple was erected on the very spot from where Romulus, one of the founders of Rome, ascended to heaven.

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‘ The Roman Pantheon at night
‘ Tourists at the Roman Pantheon

Architecture of the Pantheon

Rome’s main sanctuary is built in the form of a rotunda and a portico leading to it.

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Portico

‘ Rotunda against the background of Rome’s rooftopshttps://trevaladvisor.com/img%img/Panteon-v-Rimereterte/Oko-Panteona_-1.jpg” alt=””/>‘ Eye of the Pantheon
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There is an amazing legend associated with the famous dome of the temple. Thus, its perfect outline and the sunlight penetrating the “vent” of the oculus inspired N. Copernicus to finally formulate the heliocentric theory.

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There are niches in the walls of the room, where statues of gods whose names corresponded with the 7 planets of antiquity: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon and the Sun. Penetrating through the oculus, the rays of the sun fell on each of the sculptures in turn, thus turning the Roman Pantheon into a kind of observatory.

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The Roman temple still holds the record for the world’s most monumental unreinforced concrete dome.

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Interior

‘ Italy. Among the first are the artists: the violinist Arcangelo Corelli, the sculptor Flaminio Vacca, the architect Baldassare Peruzzi, and the painters Giovanni da Udine, Taddeo Zuccaro, Annibale Carracci, and Perino del Vaga. A special place is given to the sarcophagus of Raphael Santi, who was consecrated, and his wife Maria Bibbiena.

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The Pantheon in Rimestal is also the tomb of some august persons. King Victor Emmanuel II, his son Umberto I and his wife Margherita are buried here. The royals are guarded by volunteers from the National Institute of Honor Guard, established in the second half of the 19th century.

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About the Pantheon in numbers

There are many amazing facts associated with this sanctuary that strike the imagination of tourists:

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‘ Rome. According to the records, they barely fit into 28 wagons..
  • The portico is supported by 16 marble columns. Each weighs about 60 tons, is 1.5 meters in diameter and almost 12 meters high.
  • The walls of the building are 6 meters thick. Historians believe that the Pantheon in Rome may have been used as a defensive fortress during the riots and rebellions of the Middle Ages.
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  • In 609, the Pantheon became the first pagan temple to be consecrated according to Christian canons. Hence arises more than one legitimate question. Who in ancient times kept statistics of pagan sanctuaries? How has it reached our days? What were other temples like?
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  • The obelisk of Ramses II, placed in front of the Pantheon, is not the only one in the city. There are a total of 13 Egyptian obelisks placed in Rome, testifying to the Popes’ unusual love of the subject of the Land of the Pharaohs.”

    • The Roman Pantheon attracts more than just history and architecture. Looking at the majestic structure more than 2 thousand years old, you can’t help but respect the architects of those times, who created the main masterpiece of Rome.

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    Practical information

    The Pantheon in Rome is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. On holidays, the temple closes at 13:00; it is not open on January 1, May 1, and December 25. Visiting the Pantheon is free of charge, so everyone can admire this marvelous monument of Roman architecture. This temple is definitely worth seeing.

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    How to get there

    With its majestic appearance, the Roman Pantheon adorns the Piazza della Rotonda. Use public transportation to reach this place:

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    • streetcar – no. 8 (stop Argentina);
    • bus – nos. 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87 and 492 (stop Argentina);
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    • Metro – Line A (Barberini station).
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