Rome

Pantheon in Rome - temple of all gods

The Pantheon in Rome is an ancient temple dedicated to the ancient Roman gods and the embodiment of the greatness of the Roman Empire. It is believed that it was built in the 2nd century AD. on the site of a temple built in the 27th century BC Mark Agrippa. In the 7th century, the Pantheon was re-consecrated to a Catholic church. Today, this achievement of antiquity is located in the square of the Rotunda (Piazza della Rotonda).

Description

The Pantheon is a huge rotunda, covered with a hemispherical dome with a diameter of 45 meters. The architects were able to achieve a harmonious balance between the height of the building and its diameter. Thanks to engineering calculations, the dome does not press on visitors with its mass, but solemnly rises, like the sky.

The height of the structure is almost equal to its diameter and is 42 meters. The main feature of the Pantheon is a hole in the center of the dome with a diameter of 9 meters, called the "Eye of the Pantheon". Through it, air and light enter the temple.

Eye of the Pantheon

Inside the surface of the dome is decorated with 140 caissons. These decorative recesses possess not only decorative, but also constructive value. Due to them, the mass of the arch was significantly reduced. It was estimated that the weight of the dome is 5 thousand tons. But with an increase in the height of the arch, its thickness and mass decrease. So, for example, the thickness of the concrete mass at the base is 6 meters, and near the Eye of the Pantheon - 1.5 meters.

Entrance

The entrance to the temple is emphasized by a portico of sixteen granite Corinthian columns. You can get to the temple through the Roman portal dating from the Roman era. The walls on which the dome rests are lined with marble from the inside and divided into 2 tiers. The lower tier, in turn, is divided into 7 identical niches, to facilitate construction.

The burial place of great people

The Pantheon is one of the few buildings of Ancient Rome, preserved to this day unchanged. Throughout his existence, he attracted the attention of both artists and scientists, and ordinary people. Michelangelo Buanarroti considered him an angelic creation. Raffaello Santi wanted to be buried in the temple, which, in his opinion, united people and gods. The great artist was buried in the Pantheon. This event was a new stage in the history of the ancient temple. It has become a burial place for great and famous people.

From an architectural point of view, the Pantheon is practically the only monumental building that harmoniously combines grandeur and grace. Its appearance had a significant impact on architecture, both of its time and later.

Despite the past centuries with their losses and gains, the Pantheon, as before, remains a true confirmation of the greatness of the Roman Empire.

Find a hotel near the Pantheon

A ticket to visit the Pantheon is not required, as the entrance is free. Opening hours from 9 to 19 hours, daily. Least of all tourists in the first hour after the opening - this is the time we recommend to our readers for a visit.

Watch the video: THE PANTHEON of ROME ITALY TOUR - TEMPLE TO ALL THE GODS - 6 22 13 (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Rome, Next Article

Honeymoon in Italy: 7 ideas where to go. Part I
Trip planning

Honeymoon in Italy: 7 ideas where to go. Part I

No wonder Italy is considered one of the most top destinations for the Honeymoon - there are so many romantic corners that it is almost impossible to make a mistake. I know people who spent their honeymoon in Rome and were absolutely happy with the choice made. However, even if this is subjective, and when we take off our hat to the “Eternal City”, we will miss out on our listing of the best places for a honeymoon in Rome.
Read More
The best beaches of Sicily. Part I
Trip planning

The best beaches of Sicily. Part I

Sicily is famous for its beaches, many of which are among the best in Italy. In 2011, six Sicilian beaches were awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of their waters. The rating was based on specific scientific standards, not subjective opinions. Here is this "magnificent six": Porto Paulo (Menfi), Pozzallo and Ispica (Ragusa), Fiumefreddo-Cottone (Catania), Spiaggia Bianca (Lipari) and Marina di Ragusa.
Read More
Cervinia ski resort in Italy: slopes, entertainment, how to get
Trip planning

Cervinia ski resort in Italy: slopes, entertainment, how to get

Cervinia in Italy, located in the Valtournenche valley, surrounded on all sides by majestic four-thousandths - the highest mountain resort in the country. The resort got its name from Mount Cervino, which means "deer" in Italian. The Swiss call this mountain Matterhorn “the crooked beak”, this difference is explained by the fact that the mountain looks different from different angles.
Read More
Rent a car in Italy or buy-back leasing: what to choose?
Trip planning

Rent a car in Italy or buy-back leasing: what to choose?

Traveling in Italy is worth it to rent a car. How else to do it all at once: to see all the most famous sights, learn about the less known, but no less significant, bask on the beach, go skiing and stock up on outlets with outfits for the whole family? But along with traditional rental methods, there is one that so far only selected tourists use.
Read More