The secrets & wonders inside Pantheon Rome | Art, architecture & engineering marvels

The main space of the Pantheon is the grand rotunda, a massive circular hall with a diameter of approximately 43.3 meters (142 feet). The dome of the rotunda soars high above, reaching an apex at the center, where the oculus, a circular opening with a diameter of about 8.8 meters (29 feet), allows a stream of light to pour into the temple.

The interior of the dome is adorned with a series of recessed panels known as coffers. These coffers serve both aesthetic and structural purposes, reducing the dome's weight and evenly distributing forces to enhance its stability. The geometric patterns of the coffers add visual interest and elegance to the dome's interior.

Underfoot, the floor showcases an elegant geometric pattern of colored marble, meticulously laid out in intricate designs. As you walk through the rotunda, the smoothness of the marble under your feet serves as a tactile reminder of the artistry that went into creating this architectural masterpiece.

The most notable relief is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is located in the center of the altar. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a scene from the Bible that depicts the Virgin Mary being taken up to heaven by angels

This altar is located to the right of the main altar, and it is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The altar of the Holy Spirit is made of marble and it is decorated with a relief of the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles. The relief is located in the center of the altar and it is surrounded by a border of flowers.

This altar is located in the back of the Pantheon, and it is dedicated to St. Paul. The altar of St. Paul is made of marble and it is decorated with a relief of St. Paul being beheaded.

The Chapel of St. Joseph is located in the northeast apse of the Pantheon. It is dedicated to Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ. The chapel is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Joseph.

The Chapel of the Madonna of Clemency is located in the southeast apse of the Pantheon. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted as the Madonna of Clemency. The chapel is decorated with a fresco of the Madonna of Clemency, which was painted by Giovanni Battista Gaulli in the 17th century.

The Chapel of the Crucifixion is located in the southwest apse of the Pantheon. It is dedicated to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The chapel is decorated with a fresco of the Crucifixion, which was painted by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century.

The Chapel of the Annunciation is located in the northwest apse of the Pantheon. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The chapel is decorated with a fresco of the Annunciation, which was painted by Melozzo da Forlì in the 15th century.

Given that the Pantheon was dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome, a prominent statue of Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology, might have been placed in a central position within the rotunda.

As the Roman god of war and one of the most important deities in the Roman pantheon, Mars could have been depicted in full military regalia, reflecting his role as the guardian and protector of the Roman state.

Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, might have graced the interior of the Pantheon, symbolizing the prosperity and harmony that the Romans sought to embody in their daily lives.