Pantheon
Lazio
The Pantheon in Rome is an ancient 2nd-century Roman temple, later converted into the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs in AD 609. It was originally commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa during Augustus' reign but rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around AD 126 after previous structures were destroyed by fire. The building features a grand portico with large granite Corinthian columns and a vast circular rotunda beneath a coffered concrete dome with a central oculus that provides natural light. The dome, with a diameter and height of 43 meters, remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome nearly two millennia after its construction. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings due to its continuous use as a Christian church and is a masterpiece of Roman engineering and architecture. Its design profoundly influenced classical architecture worldwide, inspiring countless later buildings. Today, it is managed by Italy's Ministry of Cultural Heritage and remains a major tourist attraction in Rome's historic center, known locally as "Santa Maria Rotonda."
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Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Advance ticket reservations are recommended to skip long queues. The Pantheon offers reduced admission for EU citizens under 25 and free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Photography is allowed but avoid flash to preserve the interior. Comfortable footwear is advisable due to the surrounding piazza and potential standing time inside.
Interesting facts
- •The Pantheon’s dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, nearly 2,000 years after its construction.
- •The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are exactly the same, 43 meters, reflecting perfect architectural harmony.
- •The Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in AD 609, which contributed significantly to its preservation.
- •The inscription on the Pantheon credits Marcus Agrippa for the original building, although the current structure was built under Emperor Hadrian.
- •The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda, named after the building’s rotunda shape.
History
The original Pantheon was built around 27 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa but was destroyed by fires in 80 AD and again in 110 AD.
Emperor Hadrian commissioned the reconstruction of the current structure between approximately 112 and 128 AD, retaining the original inscription attributing the building to Agrippa.
In the early 7th century, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church by Pope Boniface IV, which helped preserve it from the destruction that many other Roman buildings suffered.
Over the centuries, it has remained in continuous use, securing its status as one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.
Place Guide
Portico with Corinthian Columns2nd century AD
The grand entrance to the Pantheon features eight massive granite Corinthian columns in the front row, with additional columns behind, supporting a classical pediment. This portico blends Greek and Roman architectural styles and serves as a majestic threshold to the rotunda.
Rotunda and DomeCirca AD 126
The circular main hall (cella) is topped by an enormous coffered concrete dome with a central oculus that is open to the sky. The dome’s diameter and height are equal, creating a perfect sphere inside the building. The oculus provides natural light and ventilation.
Interior Decorations and TombsVarious periods
Inside the Pantheon are altars, chapels, and tombs, including those of famous Renaissance artist Raphael and several Italian kings. The interior blends pagan and Christian elements, reflecting its long history.
Contact
Phone: 06 6830 0230
