When one thinks of Ancient Rome, one often thinks of ruins. And don’t worry – there are plenty of them to fire the imagination. The Pantheon, however, stands apart, not least because it is a complete structure, and a beaut! The engineering prowess of those clever Romans resulted in our single favourite building in Rome, the Pantheon.
Marcus Agrippa, Augustus’ right-hand man, first commissioned the temple in 27 BCE. It underwent several reconstructions and renovations over the years. And in 126 CE, Hadrian completed the magnificent structure we see today. (Practically nothing of the original remains, aside from Agrippa’s name.) The Pantheon was a temple for the worship of ‘all gods’, or at least, all the important ones.
The temple’s most striking feature is its immense circular dome, which is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. As the dome ascends, its design employs a series of lighter and lighter materials, made of concrete and volcanic rock, to distribute the weight evenly. (In spite of all that marble.) The oculus, a circular opening at the dome’s apex, not only adds to the structure’s architectural grandeur but also serves as the primary source of light. It casts a mesmerizing spotlight on the interior. And, on Rome’s birthday, at noon, it falls right on the entrance to the temple, where the emperor would have entered. (Still does, which is amazing, even if there’s no emperor any more!)
Stepping inside the Pantheon is an experience like no other. And we do it every couple of weeks (despite the lines). There are majestic Corinthian columns, an intricate frieze adorned with mythical figures, and opulent marble floors, complete with drainage holes. (Not to mention the remains of Raphael and Vittorio Emanuele I and some lovely mosaics, which post-date the ancient period.) The coffered ceiling, with its sunken square panels, adds depth and visual appeal, while the hazy light through the oculus creates an ethereal ambiance that even a building full of tourists (always, but go early!) can’t dispel.
The Pantheon was converted into a church in the 7th century, and has been in continuous use for over 1,300 years. Which makes it one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in existence. Indeed, it often symbolizes the resilience and everlasting impact of the Roman Empire and its people.
And we’re not the only ones who like it. Besides the thousands of tourists who flock there every day, the Pantheon’s architectural design has captivated architects and artists throughout history. Its influence persists in buildings around the world, from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. We’re not the kind to boss people around, but for us, the Pantheon tops any tourist’s must-see list in Rome.
