Pantheon - Tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

Pantheon

travel wonder in Rome, Italy

Why the

Pantheon

in Rome

is special

It and its astonishing dome have stood for nearly 1900 years. The Pantheon is by far the best preserved ancient Roman building.

Insights on

the Pantheon

Though its exterior has its merits, the interior can knock visitors off their feet. The colored marble walls and sculpting provide luxuriant decoration. And, if the word "grand" didn't exist, the dome would create it.

The dome measures 42 meters (142 feet) in diameter - an amazing feat for 125 A.D.

It remained the world's largest for over 1400 years.

The architects reduced its weight (and therefore its possibility) by using a revolutionary blend of concrete made with lightweight volcanic rocks. The exact recipe has been lost in time.

The dome has a large open-air hole at its top (see photo). It allows natural light to eye-pleasingly bath the interior. Yes, rain occasionally enters.

Pantheon means "Temple of the Gods", referring to Roman deities. The name derives from the Greek words pan (all) and theo (god).

In 609 A.D., the Pantheon was consecrated as a church, as it ramains today.

The Pantheon was originally built in 25 BC, but was destroyed by fire in 80 AD. Roman Emperor Hadrian rebuilt it in 125 AD. He changed its defining shape from rectangular to circular.

That design is essentially what we see today. Though some major details have been modified over the centuries.

The illustrious Renaissance painter Rafael is interned here, along with two Italian kings.

When to go

to Rome

Read my at-a-glance charts with tips & insights on Rome's:

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Italian cuisine guide

Vatican City

Note: Its wonders are not listed in my Italy Guide. Even though the Vatican lies within Rome, it is not part of it or Italy. It's an independent nation. Click to see its gold, silver and bronze medals,