Pantheon Rome, A 2000 Years Old Temple in Italy

More than 1800 years ago, a building was established as temple for all the gods originally called Pantheon. The marvelous structure is still stands as a sign of the great Roman Empire. Of all the great structures or buildings constructed during the great era of Roman Empire, only this one still stands in its original condition. It displays gorgeous impression on visitors by its thick walls and tall marble columns of the portico.  And the dome, which is 43 meter high is also one of the most impressive and attractive part of the building. This one was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when Florence Cathedral (the main church of Florence, Italy, also known as The Cattedrale di Sants Maria del Fiore) was constructed.  

Hole in the middle of Pantheon, Rome

A hole at the dome’s apex allows daylight into the main room. Three rows of columns are located in front of portico. Eight columns are in the first row while other two have four each. Behind them a huge bronze door of a diameter of 43 meter gives access to the cylindrical building.

History of Pantheon started from 25-27 B.C when it was a T-shaped temple (made on traditional base) which built by general Marcus Agrippa (son in law of Emperor Augustus) dedicated to the gods. The building damaged twice, first burned down in 80 AD second struck by lightning and burned down again in 110 AD.  Emperor Hadrian ordered to rebuild again and oversaw its completion, this time it is credited with turning the temple into a marvelous architectural works in the world. This time it was more durable version of Pantheon was built completed in 125 AD.

Beautiful Night View of Pantheon

In Rain Pantheon Looks More Gorgeous

The Egyptian made sixteen columns for portico are weighing sixty tons. Each one was 39 feet (11.9 meter) tall with a diameter of 1.5 meters supporting a pediment. The pediment was decorated with gilt bronze ceiling. The construction of the dome was the most difficult one. The weight of the dome was massive so it created difficulties to put it on its respective place. They use some techniques such as the thickness of the walls gradually decreased as the height increased. To 6 meter (20 feet) thick walls were used at the base, while near the oculus it is only 7.5 feet or 2.3 meter thick. They use coffer in the ceiling and the opening at the top (the hole) also helped reduce the weight of the dome.

Interior of Pantheon

 Interior Beauty of Pantheon

The temple (Pantheon) was converted into church in 609, now containing several tombs of many famous kings along with famous artist Raphael. The interior design of the temple and the marble floor are the best examples of Roman architecture. Beneath the light hole and between the granite Corinthian columns, seven sculptures stand, referred to Roman gods correspond to each of the seven planets. A well crowded rectangular square (Piazza dells Rotonda) borders The Pantheon.

An eighteenth century fountain crowned with an obelisk is located in square’s center. It still remains a mystery that why the conquerors elected to preserve this building while destroying many of others.