The Pantheon is, still today, the oldest intact building from Ancient Rome to the present day. A marvel and a true architectural masterpiece, whose name in Greek means “of all gods”. Hidden among the narrow streets of Rome’s historic centre, the Pantheon has stood on the Field of Mars for almost two thousand years as an imposing reminder of the greatness of the Roman Empire. Built in 118 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian, this temple continues to enchant and amaze visitors from all over the world with its majesty and millennial history.
What characterises the uniqueness of the Pantheon is undoubtedly the hemispherical dome, which, at 43 metres in diameter, was an extraordinary piece of engineering for its time. Even today, it is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Its construction defied the architectural conventions of the time and is a timeless work of art.
Inside the Rotunda
The rotunda can be accessed after passing through a portico of 16 Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment. Upon entering the Pantheon, visitors are enveloped in a sense of wonder and reverence. Natural light filters through the oculus, a 9-metre diameter circular opening in the centre of the dome, illuminating the interior with a mystical aura. The oculus also represents an architectural innovation, allowing light and rain to enter and creating a unique atmosphere inside the temple.
In the centre of the rotunda stands the famous altar, surrounded by statues of ancient gods. The Pantheon was originally built as a temple dedicated to all the gods of the ancient Rome, but during the Christian period it was converted into a church, Basilica Sancta Maria ad Martyres, contributing to its preservation over the centuries.
How did the Pantheon endure two thousand years?
The Romans had developed a construction technique using materials composed of concrete, tuff, travertine and bricks. Even today, some of these bricks bear the dates 30-15 B.C. and 115-127 A.D., testifying the long history of this iconic monument. The particularly strong type of concrete was used as a model for the construction of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and other iconic sites around the world.
Amongst the curiosities: in 1625, Pope Urban VIII had the bronze covering of the portico removed in order to cast it to build the cannons of Castel Sant’Angelo. It should also be remembered that Hadrian’s Pantheon was built on the remains of the one commissioned by Consul Agrippa in 27 BC, which had been destroyed in a fire a few years earlier. Even today, the pediment still bears the name of Agrippa and not that of Hadrian as an acknowledgement to the one who first commissioned it.
Finally, everyone wonders how it is possible that no water gets in through the oculus when it rains!? The answer is that the central hole creates an upward air current that essentially pulverises the rainwater droplets. In this way, the amount of water falling through the hole is minimal and the presence of drainage holes in the Basilica’s interior floor prevents puddles from forming.
The Temple Tombs
The Pantheon is not only a marvellous monument with a millennial history behind it, but it is also a basilica and, since 1870, the shrine of the Kings of Italy and other eminent personalities. Indeed, inside the temple are the tombs of the famous artist Raffaello Sanzio, who died at only 37 years of age after leaving priceless masterpieces to the world, but also of some members of the Royal House of Savoia such as Queen Margherita and her husband King Umberto I.
In addition to its historical and religious importance, the Pantheon remains a place of cultural and touristic interest. Visiting this iconic monument offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history of Rome and to appreciate the skill and creativity of the ancient Romans. As of July 2023, admission to the monument is chargeable. The cost of the ticket is 5 euro.
