The Pantheon boasts the title of the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built, a remarkable feat that still stands unmatched even in contemporary times. It has gone on to inspire the construction of other famous domes like the Duomo Florence cupola and the dome in St. Peter's Basilica.
The Pantheon is also resting place for historical figures. You can find the tombs of prominent personalities like the Renaissance painter Raphael.
In the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII ordered the bronze to be stripped from the dome and used it to create a baldachin (canopy) over St. Peter's tomb and cannons for the Castel Sant'Angelo.
The Pantheon is still a functional monument 2 millennia later: Unlike other ancient Roman structures (like the Colosseum, for instance), the Pantheon has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years. Its transformation from temple to church highlights Rome’s religious evolution. As the building was the expression of such changes, it remained (and remains) relevant even today.
Impressive use of concrete: The rotunda and the dome are entirely made of poured concrete. This suggests the advancement of Roman technical skill in those times as they were well-versed with the properties of concrete — a material that was still widely not used in ancient Roman construction. Concrete is an obedient material that takes the form of whatever it is poured into, and acts as an excellent casting material.
Cultural emblem synonymous with Rome: The Rome Pantheon is an iconic symbol of Rome, cherished by both visitors and locals alike. From postcards to keychains and pop culture, it has found its way into the city’s cultural and commercial expressions.
Architecture of Rome Pantheon
Design: The Pantheon's design features a portico with columns attached to a rotunda (a circular room often with a dome on top).
Style: In the tradition of Roman Classicism, the Pantheon showcases Corinthian columns, balanced proportions and geometric precision.
Special features: Notable elements include a coffered ceiling for dome support, bronze doors, the Corinthian columns and Agrippa’s Latin inscription at the entrance.
The dome, or the showstopper: The dome’s diameter measures 43 m, with the oculus being 9 m in diameter. The dome is made of unreinforced concrete, meaning no other mechanisms or structures support its suspension. It is merely designed to become narrower at the top so weight is distributed evenly, so it sustains itself this way.
Influence & symbolism: The mathematically precise dome and its seemingly weightless suspension have intrigued and inspired artists and engineers for centuries. The Pantheon symbolically bridges the earth and sky (or the heavens) through its oculus or aperture at the dome’s apex.
The Pantheon has several small chapels inside, including this one, which is the Chapel of the Crucifixion.
What is the meaning behind the Rome Pantheon’s inscription?
The large inscription at the Rome Pantheon entrance reads M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT, meaning Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, constructed this building while holding Consul for the third time.
Sadly, Agrippa’s Pantheon, save its facade, was completely destroyed during the fire. It was later rebuilt over the years to become what it is today.
What to see at the Rome Pantheon?
Exterior facade
While exploring the Pantheon, don't forget to admire its impressive exterior facade. The portico with its massive granite Corinthian columns is a sight to behold and represents another remarkable example of Roman architecture.
Rotunda
Central to the Pantheon's interior is its breathtaking rotunda, crowned by a sloping, coffered concrete dome. This space is enhanced by Corinthian granite columns and ornate marble flooring.
Dome
Crafted from concrete, the dome's ingenious construction employs lighter materials as it ascends, showcasing remarkable Roman engineering.
Inside the expansive Pantheon interior, diverse chapels honor saints and religious figures. Adorning rotunda walls, these alcoves showcase sculptures, paintings, and artifacts.
Tombs and memorials
The Pantheon holds tombs of notable figures like artist Raphael and Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Each tomb is an artistic work, allowing visitors to pay respects and appreciate the intricate details.
Marble flooring
The interior of the Pantheon boasts intricate marble flooring with a beautiful design that complements the grandeur of the structure. Additionally, observe the decorative details on the columns, walls and arches.
Brief History Of Rome Pantheon
27 BC: Dedicated to ancient Roman gods, the original Pantheon is commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa during Emperor Augustus’ reign.
80 AD: The first Pantheon is destroyed by fire.
110 AD: A second fire burns down the Pantheon, after it was reconstructed by Domitian.
118 AD - 125 AD: Emperor Hadrian decides to rebuild the Pantheon to honor his predecessors and showcase the power of the Roman Empire.
609 AD: The Pantheon is consecrated as a Christian church, known as "Santa Maria ad Martyres" (St. Mary and the Martyrs).
19th Century: The Pantheon becomes a symbol of Italy's national identity during the Italian unification process, leading to further restorations and preservation efforts.
Raphael (1483-1520), an Italian painter and architect.
Vittorio Emanuele II (1820-1878), first king of Italy.
Umberto I (1844-1900), second king of Italy.
Margherita of Savoy (1851-1926), queen of Italy.
Baldassare Peruzzi (1481-1537), Italian architect.
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713), Italian composer.
Annibale Carracci (1560-1609), Italian painter.
Myths and legends surrounding the Rome Pantheon
Pantheon and the locked demon
One popular legend surrounding the Pantheon is the locked demon inside it. Once Pope Boniface IV converted the Pantheon to a church, it was believed that all demons fled the Pantheon except one, which was trapped. In a desperate bid to escape, the demon flew upwards and escaped through the ceiling, leaving behind a hole that is now the oculus.
Rain through the Oculus
Another legend states that when it rains through the Pantheon's oculus, the raindrops evaporate before hitting the ground, leaving the Pantheon’s floor dry. In reality, however, the water drains quickly because of the small holes on its floor, which is also concave in some places to facilitate drainage.
The Rome Pantheon in cinema
Roman Holiday (1953)
In this Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck starrer, the Pantheon is the backdrop in the piazza where Ann and Joe meet Irving in the Piazza della Rotunda.
Angels and Demons (2009)
In the movie based on Dan Brown’s novel, Tom Hanks enters the Pantheon to scout for clues about Raphael’s tomb.
Frequently asked questions about the Rome Pantheon
The Rome Pantheon is now a church that boasts impressive altars, chapels and tombs of prominent Italian personalities. It is also known for its dome and the oculus on top.
Originally, Agrippa’s Pantheon was dedicated to the 12 Gods and the ruling Sovran (or supreme leader). Years after it was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian, the temple was converted to a church by Pope Boniface the IV, and the Pantheon was called St. Mary and the Martyrs. Even today, the church is open to the public for worship.
The dome’s diameter measures 43 m, with the oculus being 9 m in diameter. The dome is made of unreinforced concrete, meaning no other mechanisms or structures support its suspension. It is merely designed to become narrower at the top so weight is distributed evenly, and it can sustain itself.
The Paris Pantheon, a neoclassical-style building, was originally built as a church in honor of St. Genevieve. Now, however, it is a mausoleum for famous personalities in France including Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas, etc. The Rome Pantheon, in contrast, was originally a temple. Now a functional church, it is still open to the public for mass and other liturgical events. Notable structural differences between the two pantheons include the use of concrete in the Rome Pantheon, and the use of brick and stone in the Paris Pantheon.
The dome of the Pantheon is constructed using a combination of concrete and various lightweight materials, such as pumice stone. This technique made the dome lighter and more structurally sound.
The dome's construction incorporated a progressive reduction in thickness from the base to the top, which decreased the weight while maintaining structural stability. Additionally, the dome's design distributes the weight evenly along the supporting walls.
The construction of the Pantheon is believed to have taken around ten years, from 118 to 128 AD.
The Rome Pantheon receives approximately 2 million visitors each year.
Yes, the Pantheon is centrally located in Rome and is within walking distance of many other famous landmarks, such as Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
