Pantheon, Province of Rome

Pantheon - details and images

Now built more than 1800 years, yet beautiful building of the Pantheon rises haughty as a reminder of the greatness of the Roman Empire and is one of the attractions of Rome. Dome building, with an elevation of 43 meters is the most impressive. It was the highest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was built.

On top of the dome there is a large opening, called the Oculus, which was the only source of light the building. The front of the impressive building has three rows of eight columns, each with a diameter of 1.5 meters. Massive bronze door in the building cilinidrica access. Diameter equals the interior height 43.3 meters.
Originally a temple for pagan gods, the Pantheon was converted into a church in 609. Pantheon contains the tombs of Raphael and several Italian kings. Interior design contrasts with the marble floor of the building structure but still retains the original lines from Roman times.

Before the present Pantheon, two other buildings have occupied the same place. First, a T-shaped building was built in 27 BC The emperor Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. The temple was dedicated to the gods Mars and Venus. It burned in 80 but was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian. In 110 the building was struck by lightning and burned to the ground again. In the year 118 the Emperor Hadrian paid for the construction of the Pantheon but in a totally different form. This time, the Pantheon was to resist much longer.

The biggest problem encountered during construction Pantheon was a huge weight of the roof. Because this can be supported without additional reinforcement, the concrete dome thickness varies from base to tip. At the very thick walls were built of 6 meters. To top roof, a lighter type of concrete was used, and for opening called Oculus, the thickness is only 2.3 meters. Using the opening in the top casing and they have helped to reduce the enormous weight of the dome.

The huge columns that weigh 60 tons were made in Egypt and were transported to Rome by ship. The columns supporting a pediment that assigns Patheonul Marcus Agrippa although it was built by Hadrian.

Pantheon is located near Piazza della Rotonda, a rectangular market with a central fountain and an obelisk. It is situated in the historical center of Rome, not far from Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares of Rome.


Address: Piazza della Rotonda

Pantheon Rome Schedule: 8:30 to 6:30 p.m.;
Sunday 9:00 to 6:00 p.m.;
the holidays: 9:00 - 13:30.

The Pantheon is free entry

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