Pantheon

History

The Pantheon is a remarkable building located in Rome, Italy. It was built by the statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in 27 BC, but the current structure was completed around 126-128 AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

The Pantheon was initially a temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome, but it has since been converted into a Christian church.

The Pantheon's construction was a testament to the remarkable engineering abilities of the Romans, most notably its dome structure.

The building's dome is one of the largest unsupported concrete domes in the world. Its thickness decreases as it rises, allowing it to be lighter at the top while still being able to support its own weight.

The dome's oculus, or circular opening at the top, is 27 feet in diameter and provides natural light to the interior of the building. The light that enters the building changes throughout the day, creating a unique and ever-changing atmosphere inside the temple.

In 609 AD, the Byzantine Emperor Phocas gave the Pantheon to Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated it as a Christian church. The building was then renamed Santa Maria ad Martyres, and it has been a church ever since.

During the Renaissance period, the Pantheon's architecture inspired many artists and architects, including Michelangelo and Brunelleschi.

Architecture

The entrance to the Pantheon is through a portico with three rows of Corinthian columns. The portico is topped by a triangular pediment with relief sculptures depicting scenes from Roman mythology. The interior of the Pantheon is equally impressive, with a spacious and airy central space that, as mentioned above, is filled with light from the oculus.

The Pantheon's design was unique in Roman architecture, and its influence can be seen in many later buildings, including the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. and St. Peter's Basilica (also in Rome).

Interior Design

The walls of the interior are made of various types of marble, including Phrygian purple, Numidian yellow, and red porphyry. The pavement is made of gray granite, and the decorative features are made of various materials, including bronze and gold.

The combination of these materials creates a beautiful and richly colored interior that is awe-inspiring to behold.

The interior also features several niches that contain statues of various gods and goddesses. These niches are designed to catch the light from the oculus and create a dramatic effect that highlights the beauty of the statues. The niches are also decorated with intricate patterns and designs that add to the overall beauty of the interior.

Famous Burials

The Pantheon is not only a magnificent architectural wonder and modern-day tourist attraction for anyone on a vacation to the city of Rome, but it is also the final resting place of several notable people.

Below are some of the famous burials at the Pantheon:

Name	Occupation
Raphael	Painter and Architect
Annibale Carracci	Painter
Victor Emmanuel II	First king of unified Italy
Umberto I	King of Italy
Margherita of Savoy	Queen consort of Italy

Among these famous burials, Raphael's tomb is the most visited. He was a renowned Italian painter and architect from the High Renaissance period. His tomb is located in the left aisle of the Pantheon and is marked by a plaque that reads "Here lies Raphael, by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die."

Another famous burial is that of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. His tomb is located in the right aisle of the Pantheon and is marked by a large statue of the king.

The Pantheon also houses the tomb of Umberto I, who was the king of Italy from 1878 until his assassination in 1900. His tomb is located in the left aisle and is also marked by a statue.

Margherita of Savoy, the queen consort of Italy, is also buried in the Pantheon. Her tomb is located in the right aisle and is marked by a plaque that reads "Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy, wife of King Umberto I."

These famous burials add to the historical significance of the Pantheon and make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, and history.

Restoration and Preservation

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings, and it owes its longevity to a combination of factors.

One of the most significant is the fact that it has been in continuous use throughout its history, which has helped to keep it in good condition. However, over the centuries, the building has undergone numerous restorations and preservation efforts to keep it standing.

In the 7th century AD, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church, which helped to protect it from being destroyed or repurposed for other uses, as was the fate of many other ancient Roman structures which would be plundered for building materials by future generations.

The building has undergone several significant restorations since then, including one in the early 17th century under Pope Urban VIII and another in the mid-19th century under Pope Gregory XVI.

One of the most significant preservation efforts in recent times occurred in the early 20th century, when the Italian government undertook a major restoration project to repair damage caused by pollution and other environmental factors.

The project included cleaning the exterior and interior of the building, repairing the roof, and reinforcing the structure to prevent further damage.

The Pantheon’s preservation is a testament to the skill and dedication of the architects, engineers, and preservationists who have worked to keep it standing for over 2,000 years, thereby allowing us to still enjoy it today.

Visiting the Pantheon Today

Today, as well as being a Christian place of worship, the Pantheon is a popular Rome tourist attraction and a symbol of Roman architecture and engineering. Its massive dome, which is made of concrete and still stands as the largest unsupported dome in the world, is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Romans.

The building's design and construction have inspired countless architects and builders over the centuries, and it continues to be a source of fascination for visitors from all over the world.

Along with other Roman architectural wonders such as the Colosseum or the Circus Maximus for example, the Pantheon is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, and it's a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to the city.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Entrance to the Pantheon is free, but if you're visiting on a weekend or public holiday, it's mandatory to make a reservation to enter.

Be prepared for crowds. The Pantheon is a popular tourist attraction, so it can get quite busy. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the largest crowds.

Take your time to explore. The Pantheon is a beautiful and richly-decorated building, which means that there's a lot to see both inside and outside. Take your time to appreciate the architecture and the history of the building.

When you enter the Pantheon, you'll be struck by the sheer size of the building. The dome is an engineering marvel, and it's hard not to be impressed by the sheer scale of the space. Take a moment to look up and appreciate the intricate details of the ceiling!

Always keep in mind that it's a functioning church, and there are often religious services taking place. Be respectful of those who are there to worship, and try to keep your voice down.

One final tip: don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the atmosphere of the Piazza della Rotonda outside the Pantheon. It's a bustling square with plenty of cafés and restaurants, and it's a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of Rome.