Rome’s Marvelous Pantheon Takes You Back in Time

By Oscar Davis

A journey through Rome is akin to a voyage back in time. Wandering the cobbled streets, the city brims with a millennia-old history, each relic offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

One such landmark, a testament to the extraordinary engineering prowess of the ancient Romans, is the Pantheon. It’s a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity, standing resiliently against the ravages of time.

The Historical Canvas

The Pantheon, translating to ‘Temple of all the Gods’, was originally built in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. The existing structure, however, dates back to 120-124 A.D., rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian after the original was destroyed in a fire. This iconic monument has served various purposes throughout history – a temple, a church, and even a tomb for Italian monarchs and artists like Raphael.

Architectural Brilliance

The Pantheon is a masterpiece of harmony and symmetry, a convergence of simple shapes – a cylinder and a hemisphere. The structure consists of a traditional porch front, a concrete cylindrical rotunda, and a massive domed ceiling. The diameter of the dome remarkably equals the interior height of the building, creating a perfect sphere.

The Dome – A Feat of Engineering

The most striking feature of the Pantheon is its dome, the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world even today. It reaches a height of 43.3 meters, exactly equal to its diameter. The interior design, resembling the heavens, further amplifies its grandeur.

The innovative use of gradually lightening materials, from heavy travertine at the base to lighter tufa and pumice towards the top, enabled the Romans to build this colossal dome. The coffered design, apart from aesthetic appeal, also reduces the overall weight without compromising structural integrity.

The Oculus – Window to the Sky

At the apex of the dome is the oculus, a 9-meter wide open skylight, the Pantheon’s only source of natural light. It’s also key to the dome’s structural stability. This ingenious addition casts a moving beam of light, animating the interior, while also serving as a primitive time-telling device.

Rainwater entering through the oculus is efficiently managed by the slightly convex floor, directing water towards the drainage holes. This feature speaks volumes about Roman engineering finesse.

The Portico – The Classical Influence

The Pantheon’s façade is a giant portico of granite Corinthian columns, topped with a pediment. The original inscription “M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT” (“Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made [this building] when consul for the third time”) has been preserved, adding to its historic charm.

The Pantheon – An Inspiration

Throughout the centuries, the Pantheon’s design has influenced countless buildings worldwide. From Thomas Jefferson’s design of the University of Virginia’s Rotunda to the British Museum’s Reading Room, the Pantheon’s legacy lives on.

In the Heart of Modern Rome

The Pantheon, amidst Rome’s bustling Piazza della Rotonda, is a stark contrast to the modernity surrounding it. It’s a favorite amongst tourists, and a visit to Rome is incomplete without marveling at this ancient architectural prodigy. Maximize your time with Skip-the-Line Pantheon tickets, bypassing queues and enjoying quick entry.

Rome’s Imperial Past

The Pantheon stands as a monument to Rome’s Imperial past and the timeless beauty of Roman architecture. This remarkable building is a testament to the Roman Empire’s architectural prowess and innovative engineering. It serves as a reminder that despite the transient nature of empires and civilizations, some creations are destined to defy time.

Despite the evolution of architectural practices, it remains a benchmark of architectural perfection. It embodies an ancient wisdom that continues to teach, influence, and inspire. As William MacDonald, a notable architectural historian, once said, “Each age has the Pantheon it desires—or deserves.”

Pantheon in Modern History

Two kings of Italy are buried in the Pantheon: Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as Umberto’s Queen, Margherita. It was supposed to be the final resting place for the Monarchs of Italy of House of Savoy, but the Monarchy was abolished in 1946 and the authorities refused to grant burial to the former kings who died in exile (Victor Emmanuel III and Umberto II).

The National Institute for the Honour Guard of the Royal Tombs of the Pantheon, which mounts guards of honor at the royal tombs, was originally chartered by the House of Savoy and subsequently operates with authorization of the Italian Republic, mounts as guards of honor in front of the royal tombs.

The Pantheon is still in use as a Catholic church, and as such, visitors are asked to keep an appropriate level of deference. Masses are celebrated there on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Weddings are also held there from time to time.

Oscar Davis is a freelance writer from Leeds, UK.