What was the Pantheon – A History of the Ancient  Roman Pantheon and How to Visit                    

The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most iconic and well-preserved buildings. Built over 2,000 years ago, it has been used as a temple, a church, and a tomb. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for those interested in Roman history and architecture. Here is a brief overview of the Pantheon’s long and fascinating history.

A Brief History of the Pantheon

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman building. It is the best-preserved monument from Ancient Rome. The very first and original Roman Pantheon was constructed in around 126-128 A.D by a Roman general named Marcus Agrippa. The original Pantheon was demolished by a fire in about 80 A.D, and was rebuilt again by Caesar Domitianus. However, it was later converted into a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs in 609 AD. For centuries, the ancient building was a Christian church and temple.

What was the Pantheon Made of?

The Pantheon is a large structure made of bricks, concrete, and granite columns. The base of the building is made of carved white greek marble. The ceiling is a large concrete dome, being the largest dome of its kind, and the most distinctive feature of the Pantheon. The dome is made out of concrete and is held up by brick arches. At 143 feet wide, it is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

The Pantheon has been mysterious since its inception. The original designer is unknown, as are most of the details surrounding its construction. What we do know is that it was built with great precision and care. The columns are evenly spaced and aligned perfectly with the center of the rotunda. The dome itself is perfectly symmetrical.

Despite its age, the Pantheon is in remarkably good condition. It has been used continuously since its construction and continues to be an important place of worship for Catholics in Rome. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, drawing millions of visitors each year from all over the world.

What was the Pantheon Used for?

The Pantheon was originally a temple, used for worshiping Roman gods, then was made into a Christian church. It is now a Roman museum.

What’s Inside the Pantheon?

The inside of the Roman Pantheon is large and round, its enormous dome taking over most of the space. Inside you will see statues of Julius Caesar, Marz, Venus, Augustus, and Agrippa. There are also tombs and chapels inside.
The Pantheon is one of Rome’s oldest and most famous buildings. With its massive dome and perfect symmetry, it is no wonder that it continues to captivate people thousands of years after its construction. If you find yourself in Rome, be sure to add a visit to this ancient wonder to your itinerary!

How to Visit the Pantheon

• The Pantheon is open every day 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Entrance is free, but reservations are required on weekends and holidays Reservations Here
• Audioguides are 8.50 Euros
• You can take a guided tour of the Pantheon for $25 Book Here

Where to Stay Near the Pantheon

If it’s your first time in Italy, I always recommend staying near the Pantheon. It’s a great way to base yourself near an iconic landmark that you can come home to each night. The Pantheon is walkable to most other sites in Rome. Here are some of my favorite hotels near the Pantheon:

• Palazzo Navona Hotel
• Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori
• Albergo del Santo
• Singer Palace Hotel
• Little Queen Pantheon
• Lifestyle Suites Rome