Pantheon (Rome, Italy)
The Pantheon is one of the most complete Roman buildings in existence. Originally built by Agrippa as a square temple in 25 BC it was damaged by fire and rebuilt as a circular temple with its famous dome by Hadrian in 125 AD. The dome is 146 feet in diameter and was the largest in the world until the dome of Florence cathedral was built in the 15th century. Inside the diameter of the floor area is the same as the distance from the floor to the oculus (the gap at the top of the dome which is the only source of light and sometimes rain). Its name means “To All Gods” and it was preserved from pillaging by being christianised, although the external marble was removed and the bronze roof of the portico was melted down to make cannons for Castel Sant’Angelo and the baldecchino in St Peter’s. Several painters, including Raphael, and two Italian kings are buried here. It has no dedicated website, although information is available on other sites. Entrance is free. It is open from 8.30am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm on Sundays, 9am to 1pm on public holidays. Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and 1 May. Buses and trams stop on Largo Argentino, a couple of minutes walk away, and Spagna underground station is 15 minutes walk away.
Contact
Piazza de la Rotonda, 00186, Telephone: +390(6)68300230 | Official site