Pantheon

The Pantheon of Rome, located in the Pigna district, is one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved buildings of antiquity. Originally built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of Emperor Augustus, it was dedicated to all the gods. The building underwent significant renovations under Emperor Hadrian between 112 and 124 AD, taking on the form we know today. The Pantheon is famous for its imposing hemispherical concrete dome, still the largest in the world made of this material. The dome is characterized by the central oculus, a circular opening 9 meters in diameter that allows natural light to illuminate the interior of the building. The height of the building, measured from the oculus to the floor, is equal to the diameter of the dome, following classical criteria of balance and architectural harmony. The architecture of the Pantheon combines a rectangular pronaos with Corinthian columns, supporting a triangular pediment, with a circular cell called the rotunda. This structure was innovative for its time and continues to impress with its grandeur and engineering perfection. The walls of the rotunda are thick and interspersed with eight large pillars that support the weight of the dome. The facade of the Pantheon features an inscription attributing the original construction to Marcus Agrippa, despite the current temple being the result of Hadrian’s reconstruction. This detail reflects the ancient Romans’ respect for traditions and the legacy of the past. In the 7th century, the building was donated by the Byzantine Emperor Phocas to Pope Boniface IV and converted into a Christian church, dedicated to Santa Maria ad Martyres. This act of consecration as a Christian basilica allowed the Pantheon to survive relatively intact from the plundering and transformations suffered by many other buildings of ancient Rome. Today, the Pantheon is still a functioning church and holds the rank of minor basilica. Inside the Pantheon are the tombs of important historical figures, including the kings of Italy Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, as well as the famous Renaissance artist Raphael. These burials add another layer of historical and cultural significance to the building. The architectural influence of the Pantheon has been vast and enduring, inspiring numerous buildings over the centuries, including the Rotonda in Vicenza designed by Andrea Palladio and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Its harmonious structure and innovative design have made the Pantheon a reference model for architects around the world.