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 classical architecture. Here is a brief overview of the Pantheon’s long and fascinating ancient history.
A Brief History of the Pantheon
The Pantheon dome 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, a Roman Consul under Ceaser Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. The original Pantheon Italy 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. Under the leadership of Pope Boniface IV, he converted the said building with permission from the Byzantine emperor the Roman architecture served as a Catholic church and temple for many years. It is believed that the present building renovations were ordered by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 CE.
What was the Pantheon Made of?
The Roman Empire 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 all the gods known in Roman world, 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 world experience to your itinerary!
How to Visit the Pantheon in Rome
- 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
The Pantheon History
The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most incredible architectural masterpieces and is revered as one of the greatest achievements of ancient Roman engineering. It expresses the grandeur, power and technological advancements of the Roman Empire.
Aside from the Pantheon’s unique Roman Architecture, it is also famous for its impressive interior decoration and works of art. The extensive use of marble, intricate designs, and elaborate sculptures make the Pantheon a true gem of ancient Roman art history.
The Pantheon was based on a circular design, inspired by the ancient Greek architecture of the temple of Hera in Olympia. This shape represented the cosmos and the dome symbolized the heavens. The impressive use of concrete and its innovative construction techniques also set it apart from other buildings of its time.
Originally, the temple was dedicated to the pagan gods during the classical age. However, after the conversion to Christianity, it was converted into a church and dedicated to St. Mary and all the Christian martyrs.
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