Discovering the Pantheon

Hello everyone! This itinerary is dedicated to the discovery of the Pantheon. In the past, it was a temple for the Roman gods, later converted into a Christian church. Today, it is one of the most visited places in Rome. As you walk inside, you will discover curiosities about its architecture, the large dome, the open oculus to the sky, and the many symbols that narrate two thousand years of history.

Welcome to the Pantheon

Welcome to the Pantheon, a truly special place with nearly 2000 years of history. You are in front of one of the most famous buildings of ancient Rome, constructed in such an ingenious way that it continues to astonish everyone today. Its name, "Pantheon," comes from the Greek and means "temple of all the gods," because initially it was dedicated to all the deities of ancient Rome. Imagine a place where one could find statues of all the most important gods of Rome: Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and many others. The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD, but before him, there was already another temple, built by Marcus Agrippa. His name is still written right at the top part of the building! Over time, this temple has changed its function: in 609, Emperor Phocas gifted the building to Pope Boniface IV, who transformed it into a Christian church dedicated to Mary and the martyrs. The statues of the gods were removed, and in their place, altars and relics were put. It became a Christian church, and this has helped preserve it almost intact up to today. The distinctive feature of this building is undoubtedly its great dome with a hole in the center—called an oculus—that allows light to enter, creating a truly evocative atmosphere. Thanks to this opening, those who entered the Pantheon felt like they were in a sacred place that connected the earthly world with that of the gods.

Piazza della Rotonda

Here we are, folks! We are in Piazza della Rotonda, right in front of the Pantheon. Look how beautiful this space is! It's called that because the temple has a round shape, and from here you can perfectly see its facade with the large columns. A long time ago, the square was the beating heart of daily life. This area was much narrower and filled with houses attached to the temple. Then, in the 15th century, a Pope decided to clear the space, so the Pantheon could be admired better, just as you see it now. In the center of the square, there's a very ancient fountain, made by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575 and later modified by Luigi Amici. Right above the fountain, you can admire an obelisk. Do you know what obelisks are? They are tall monuments of Egyptian origin, often built to honor the Sun god! This obelisk is called the Macuteo Obelisk and was brought here long after the construction of the Pantheon, in 1711. The marble basin is adorned with four sculpted dolphins supporting the central structure, and after several restorations, the last of which in 2017, the fountain has returned to its original splendor. Are you ready to enter the most fascinating temple of ancient Rome? Approach the entrance and get ready to discover the Pantheon, the temple of all gods!

The Pronaos: The Majestic Portico of the Pantheon

Welcome to the magnificent portico of the Pantheon! Let's pause in front of the entrance of this great temple: it's called the pronaos, and it's like a gigantic portico. It is more than 30 meters wide and 15 meters deep. There are sixteen towering columns arranged in three rows supporting it. Each column is made of granite, a very hard and heavy stone. Do you know how much each one weighs? About 60 tons! The first eight form the main façade, while the others are arranged on the sides. Each column is almost 12 meters high and has a very important task: to support the portico's roof and give the Pantheon a majestic and solemn appearance. Now look up: just above the columns, there's a large stone triangle called the pediment. At one time, a bronze eagle, symbol of the god Jupiter, could be admired at the top of the pediment. Gradually lowering your gaze, you can read the ancient inscription commemorating Marcus Agrippa, the first to build a temple here, more than two thousand years ago!

The Dome of the Pantheon

Look up, little explorer! The dome of the Pantheon is one of the largest and oldest ever constructed. It has a diameter of over 43 meters: it's as if a giant sphere could fit perfectly within this space. How did the Romans build it? They used an ingenious and highly sophisticated technique. The higher you go, the lighter the materials become. Heavy stone is used at the bottom, while at the top, pumice, a light volcanic stone resembling a sponge, was used. Look at the coffers: those square shapes on the dome are not just decorative, but they help make the structure lighter and more stable. In the center of the dome, you can notice the oculus, a round opening 9 meters wide, which allows light (and also rain!) to enter. Yes, you heard that right: the oculus is always open! But don't worry: there's a drainage system in the floor that collects the rainwater and prevents flooding. Meanwhile, the light that enters from above moves throughout the day, illuminating different parts of the temple, like a gigantic natural sundial.

The Apse and Sacred Altar of the Pantheon

We are now standing in front of the apse of the Pantheon, one of the most significant elements for understanding the transformation of the Pantheon into a Christian church. The apse is a curved wall located just behind the altar. When Emperor Hadrian constructed the Pantheon, this part was not present. It was added later, in the 7th century, when the temple was converted into a Christian church. Located on the opposite side from the entrance, the apse symbolically replaced the statue of the emperor, which likely once occupied this position. Its semicircular shape evokes the celestial vault and directs the gaze of the faithful towards the altar, the spiritual center of Christian liturgy. The decoration is also very beautiful: what we see today was added in the 18th century when Pope Clement XI sought to enhance its preciousness. The main altar, on the other hand, has been the heart of this sacred place for over 1400 years. The position of the altar is not coincidental but strategically located between the entrance and the large opening in the dome, the oculus. It is as if it connects the earth to the heavens, the earthly dimension to the divine. The richly decorated altar shines with its colorful marbles. For centuries, this space has hosted solemn rites: coronations, weddings, and state funerals. And even today, every Sunday, Mass is celebrated here.

The Tomb of Raphael Sanzio

We have arrived in front of a very important tomb: that of Raffaello Sanzio, one of the most famous painters of the Renaissance. He died in 1520, at only 37 years of age, but had already left the world with wonderful works. When he died, many people were saddened, even the Pope. Raffaello expressed the wish to be buried here, in this sacred place, and his wish was respected because he was considered an important figure of Renaissance Italy. On his tombstone, there is an inscription by Pietro Bembo, which reads: “Here lies Raphael, by whom Nature feared to be outdone, and when he died, it feared to die with him.” Above his tomb is a stone bust, which is a sculpture of his face. Next to him rests his betrothed, Maria Bibbiena, and probably some of his most trusted disciples.

The Tomb of Victor Emmanuel II

Now let's look at another very important tomb. Here lies Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a united Italy. When he died in 1878, it was decided to bury him right here, in the heart of Rome. On his tomb is inscribed: FATHER OF THE FATHERLAND, as he was one of the key figures in the process that united all the small Italian states into one single nation. Even though the tomb is simple, his presence within this enormous temple is deeply felt. Here, ancient Rome merges with the modern history of Italy. Indeed, he is not the only king buried here; other members of his family also rest in this special place.

The Tomb of Umberto I

Near his father, Vittorio Emanuele II, we also find the tomb of Umberto I, the second king of Italy. He reigned during a challenging period filled with changes. Some called him "the Good," although not everyone agreed with this characterization, as his reign was also marked by protests and difficult moments. He died tragically in 1900 in Monza and was buried here to continue the royal family's tradition. His tomb is elegant yet simple, adorned with symbols of the monarchy.