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Notice the famous inscription on the pediment of the Pantheon facade at the main entrance.
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Contents
From temple to tomb | The enduring legacy of the Rome Pantheon
The Roman Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture, stands as a testament to Roman engineering and design prowess. Originally constructed as a temple dedicated to all gods, it now stands as a well-preserved church. Visitors can marvel at its ico...
Founded By
Emperor Hadrian
Quick information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
9am–7pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
2000000
TICKETS
From € 7.90
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
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.
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Why is the Pantheon famous in Rome?
- 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.
Rome Pantheon highlights
Facade and entrance
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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.
Learn about the Roman Pantheon dome in detail
Chapels
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.
Famous tombs inside the Rome Pantheon
- 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.
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
What can you see inside the Rome Pantheon?
What was the purpose of the Rome Pantheon?
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.
What are the dimensions of the Rome Patheon dome?
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.
What is the difference between the Paris Pantheon and the Rome Pantheon?
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.
What is the construction material of the Pantheon's dome?
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.
How was the Pantheon's dome constructed without collapsing?
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.
How long did it take to build the Rome Pantheon?
The construction of the Pantheon is believed to have taken around ten years, from 118 to 128 AD.
How many visitors does the Rome Pantheon receive each year?
The Rome Pantheon receives approximately 2 million visitors each year.
Is the Pantheon located near other popular tourist attractions in Rome?
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.
