The Pantheon is amazing

The Pantheon, built on the site of an earlier temple, was dedicated to “all the gods” in the second century. In the 7th century, it was converted into a church. It is one of the best-preserved structures in ancient Rome, mainly because it has been continuously used throughout its history.

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The Pantheon, originally a Roman temple, was converted into a Christian church by Pope Boniface IV in 609 AD. Emperor Phocas gave it to the Pope, who then rededicated it as Sancta Maria ad Martyres (St. Mary of the Martyrs) church.

The monk Paul the Deacon recorded a visit by the emperor Constans II (son of Constantine) and striped Rome of much of its metal, including the bronze roof of the Pantheon.

Pope Urban VIII tore away the bronze ceiling of the portico and replaced the medieval tower with the famous Twin Towers, commonly called “the ass’s ears.” Eventually, the twin towers were removed in the 19th century.

Archaeological excavations have shown that the previous temple had been destroyed except for the façade. The rebuilding process started in 114 A.D. under the rule of Trajan.

Photos of the Pantheon

The columns were imported from Egypt. Unlike other famous Roman columns, which were clad in marble, these columns are solid granite. Photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — The columns were imported from Egypt. Unlike other famous Roman columns, which were clad in marble, these columns are solid granite.

At the top, the inscription reads, “M[arcus] Agrippa L[ucii] f[ilius] co[n]s[ul] tertium fecit,” –Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made [this building] when consul for the third time.”

Inside the Pantheon looking at the square and at the obelisk, part of the fountain's design, is an ancient Egyptian monolith. Photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Inside,, looking at the square and the obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monolith is part of the fountain’s design.

The obelisk, part of the fountain in front of the Pantheon is an ancient Egyptian monolith. Photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — The obelisk, part of the fountain in front of the Pantheon is an ancient Egyptian monolith.

The dome is made of concrete and, at the base, is between 21 and 14 feet thick. Photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — The dome is made of concrete and, at the base, is between 21 and 14 feet thick.

Several niches surround the edge of the dome. Archaeological evidence suggests that the niche behind the altar was once the front door. The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Several niches surround the edge of the dome. Archaeological evidence suggests that the niche behind the altar was once the front door.

The concrete at the top of the dome is much thinner and made from lighter materials than the concrete at the bottom. The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — The concrete at the top of the dome is much thinner and made from lighter materials than the concrete at the bottom.

The dome is open at the top, allowing light to stream into the inside structure. It also allows rain to enter. Multiple drain holes in the floor will enable any rainwater to run out.

A view of the main alter of the Pantheon converted into a church. designed by Alessandro Specchi. The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — A view of the main altar of the converted into a church. designed by Alessandro Specchi.

Emperor Phocas gave the Pantheon to the Pope, who then rededicated it as Sancta Maria ad Martyres (St. Mary of the Martyrs).The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Emperor Phocas gave the unused pagan temple to the Pope, who then rededicated it as Sancta Maria ad Martyres (St. Mary of the Martyrs).

The present high altars and the apses inside were commissioned by Pope Clement XI (1700–1721) and designed by Alessandro Specchi. The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — The present high altar was commissioned by Pope Clement XI (1700–1721) and designed by Alessandro Specchi.

Bust of the painter Raphael (Giuseppe Fabris) The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Bust of the painter Raphael by Giuseppe Fabris.

The Pantheon serves as a crypt for Raphael and King Victor Emmanual, the king of united Italy.

Rest during the flight from Egypt (Carlo Monaldi) The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Rest during the flight from Egypt by Carlo Monaldi.

Adoration of the Magi by Francesco Cozza The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Adoration of the Magi by Francesco Cozza.

Saint Joseph and Child by Vicenzo Florentini The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Saint Joseph and Child by Vicenzo Florentini inside the Pantheon.

Adoration of the Shepherds,1661 by Francesco Cozza The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — Adoration of the Shepherds, by Francesco Cozza.

St Lawrence and St Agnes (Clement Maioli) The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — St Lawrence and St Agnes by Clement.

Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Pietro Paolo Bonzi The photos are from the FoxRVTravel article “The Pantheon is Amazing.” — The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Pietro Paolo Bonzi.

View of the Pantheon (the dome) taken from the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Photo from FoxRVTravel Monument of Victor Emmanuel II.

The thing to notice about the dome is how small the dome looks compared to the inside of the dome. The outside has three thicker rings for extra strength.

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The Pantheon of Rome

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