Pantheon

The Pantheon is an ancient temple dedicated to the Roman gods and embodies the greatness of the Roman Empire. It is assumed that it was built in A.D. 2 on another temple, built in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa. Nowadays, this ancient crowning glory can be found at Piazza della Rotonda.

Things to Know Before Visit Roman Pantheon

The 7 Most Important Details Inside the Pantheon to Pay Attention to

1. Oculus: The dome’s 9-meter (30-foot) opening provides natural light and ventilation, a unique engineering feature that brightens the interior.
2. Raphael’s Tomb: Renowned painter Raphael’s resting place is a poignant reminder of the Pantheon’s connection to Italy’s cultural history.
3. High Altar: Adorned with gold and precious stones, this altar symbolizes the Pantheon’s transition from a pagan temple to a Christian church.
4. Marble Interior: Imported Pentelic marble from Greece adds a touch of luxury and elegance, highlighting the wealth and power of ancient Rome.
5. Coffered Dome: The pattern of square recesses reduces the dome’s weight, showcasing Roman ingenuity and architectural mastery.
6. April 21st Phenomenon: On April 21st of each year, a remarkable event occurs inside the Pantheon. The light from the oculus strikes almost perpendicularly onto the entrance, illuminating it in a breathtaking display. This date is significant as it is traditionally regarded as the founding date of Rome. This alignment is believed to have been intentionally designed, symbolizing the divine link between the cosmos and Rome’s inception.
7. Michelangelo’s Admiration: It’s said that Michelangelo, upon visiting the Pantheon and marveling at its dome, proclaimed it of “angelic and not human design.” This admiration went on to shape his vision for St. Peter’s dome, bridging the works of ancient and Renaissance Rome.

Read also What to See in 3 Days in Rome?

Interesting Facts About the Roman Pantheon

1. The Pantheon we know today is the third iteration of the building. The first Pantheon was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27-25 BCE as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. After being destroyed twice by fires in 80 and 110 CE, the Pantheon was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 CE, resulting in the structure we see today.
2. The Pantheon boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, with a diameter of 43.3 meters (142 feet). This incredible feat of engineering has withstood the test of time, remaining intact for nearly 1,900 years.
3. At the apex of the Pantheon’s dome lies the oculus, a 9-meter (30-foot) circular opening that serves as the building’s only source of natural light. The oculus also allows for ventilation, and rainwater entering the building is drained through a series of holes in the floor.
4. The Pantheon’s design is based on the concept of ideal symmetry, with the dome’s diameter equaling the height from the floor to the oculus. This means that a perfect sphere could fit within the interior of the building.
5. The concrete used in the Pantheon’s construction consists of a mixture of volcanic ash, lime, and pieces of volcanic rock. This unique combination resulted in a lightweight yet strong material that contributes to the building’s longevity.
6. Initially a temple, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in 609 CE by Pope Boniface IV. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and all the martyrs, and this transformation saved the building from destruction during the Middle Ages.
7. The Pantheon serves as the final resting place for several notable individuals, including the painter Raphael, composer Arcangelo Corelli, and two Italian kings, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Umberto I.
8. Inside the Pantheon, visitors can admire several important Christian artifacts, such as the 15th-century bronze doors, a Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child, and the high altar.
9. The inscription on the Pantheon’s façade reads “M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIUM·FECIT,” which translates to “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this.” Despite Emperor Hadrian’s reconstruction, he chose to keep the original inscription as a nod to Agrippa’s legacy.
10. The Pantheon’s interior features a stunning array of Pentelic marble imported from the quarries of Mount Pentelikon in Greece. This high-quality marble was also used in other iconic structures, such as the Parthenon in Athens.
11. Supporting the Pantheon’s porch are 16 massive Corinthian columns, each measuring 11.8 meters (39 feet) tall and weighing 60 tons. These columns were quarried in Egypt and transported to Rome on wooden sleds, demonstrating the dedication to craftsmanship in the building’s construction.
12. The Pantheon’s design has inspired countless structures over the centuries, including the U.S. Capitol building, the British Museum’s Reading Room, and the Jefferson Memorial. Its architectural legacy continues to impress and influence architects and designers worldwide.

The Architecture of the Roman Dome

The Pantheon is a large rotunda covered with a hemispherical dome diameter of 45 meters (147,6 ft). Architects had done an excellent job and achieved a harmonious balance between building height and diameter. Due to engineering calculations, the dome does not press down on the visitors with its mass and solemnly towers over them like the sky.

The height of the building is almost equal to its diameter and amounts to 42 meters (137,8 ft). Air and light penetrate inside the Pantheon through the oculus in the center of the dome with a diameter of 9 meters (29,5 ft), called “the Eye of the Pantheon”, the main feature of  the temple.

Oculus – The Eye

The inside surface of the Roman dome is decorated with 140 coffers. A series of these recessed panels have decorative and constructive value, significantly reducing the weight of the arch.

It has been calculated that the dome’s weight is 5000 metric tons. But gradually, with the increasing height of the dome, its thickness and weight are reduced. For example, the thickness of the concrete mass at the bottom is 6 meters (19,7 ft), and near “the Eye of the Pantheon,” it is only 1,5 meters (4,9 ft).

The Entrance

The greatness of the temple is emphasized by a portico of sixteen granite Corinthian columns at the entrance. A Roman portal, dating from the Roman era, leads you inside. The walls, holding the dome, are faced with marble and divided into two tiers from the inside. The lower tier, in its turn, consists of 7 identical niches, to facilitate the construction.

Tombs

The Pantheon is one of the few buildings of ancient Rome that has survived unchanged. All the time, it has attracted the attention of artists, scientists, and the simple public. Michelangelo considered it to be a divine creation. Raphael wanted to be buried in the temple, which, in his mind, was a place where people and goods were united. So the great artist was buried in the Pantheon.

In addition to Raphael Santi, the Roman Pantheon houses the tombs of several other notable individuals:

1. Vittorio Emanuele II: The first king of a united Italy, who ruled from 1861 until his death in 1878.  You can also see his monument in front of the Altar of the Fatherland in Piazza Venezia.
2. Umberto I: The son of Vittorio Emanuele II, he served as the king of Italy from 1878 until his assassination in 1900. You can also see his equestrian statue while walking around Villa Borghese.
3. Margherita of Savoy: The wife of Umberto I and the queen consort of Italy during her husband’s reign, she was also the first queen of a united Italy.
4. Annibale Caro: An Italian poet and writer, best known for his translation of Virgil’s “Aeneid.”

These tombs highlight the Pantheon’s significance as a resting place for prominent figures in Italian history, art, and culture.

From an architectural viewpoint, the Pantheon is almost the only monumental structure, which harmoniously combines grandiosity and elegance. Its image had a considerable influence on the architecture of that time and future as well.

Despite past centuries with their gains and losses, the Pantheon, as before, is absolute proof of the greatness of the Roman Empire.

Hotels Near Pantheon

Accommodation in Rome near the Pantheon area is an excellent opportunity to reach all the main attractions in Rome by walking.

With the help of the particular filter, you can choose the best hotel near the Pantheon by yourself. My list of the hotels I would stay in is following:

1. Hotel Ponte Sisto –perfect location.
   
   It will take just 15 minutes to get to the Pantheon and other ancient attractions in Rome. During the summertime, breakfast is served in the courtyard with beautiful palm trees. Near the hotel, there is Trastevere, which is full of bars and restaurants. Many of my friends stayed in this hotel and were fully satisfied.
2. Hotel Pantheon is a small and cozy 4-star hotel located just 50 meters from the Pantheon. Tourists recommend.
3. HT6 Hotel Roma – just 1 km from the Pantheon, this hotel is located in the Jewish Ghetto, a clean and quiet area in the heart of Rome where you can relax after your long tours.

Read also about Where is the Historical Center of Rome Located?

Pantheon in Paris vs. Rome

The Pantheon in Rome and the Pantheon in Paris are both iconic structures with their own distinct histories and architectural styles. While they share a name and a connection to the concept of a temple dedicated to all gods, the two buildings have very different purposes and designs.

The Roman Pantheon, constructed by Emperor Hadrian in 126 CE, is an ancient temple that has been converted into a Christian church. It is an outstanding example of Roman engineering, boasting the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus, a 9-meter (30-foot) opening at the dome’s apex, serves as the building’s only source of natural light. In addition, the Pantheon in Rome is known for its perfect proportions, as the dome’s diameter is equal to the height from the floor to the oculus. As a result, a perfect sphere could fit within the interior of the building.

In contrast, the Parisian Pantheon was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, by King Louis XV in the 18th century. The construction began in 1758 and was completed in 1790. Designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, it was later repurposed as a mausoleum to honor French national heroes and distinguished citizens during the French Revolution. The Parisian Pantheon features a neo-classical façade with a Greek-cross plan, incorporating Gothic elements such as ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. Its architectural design reflects the Enlightenment’s interest in rationality and harmony.

While both Pantheons serve as the final resting places for notable individuals, the Roman Pantheon houses the remains of Italian kings, artists, and composers. In contrast, the Parisian Pantheon is home to famous French figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.

In summary, the Pantheon in Rome is a marvel of ancient Roman architecture and engineering, while the Pantheon in Paris is a testament to French Enlightenment ideals and national pride. Despite their shared name, these two buildings embody distinct historical periods and architectural styles, offering unique insights into the societies that created them.

Author: Artur Jakucewicz

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.

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