The Pantheon is a historic temple that was originally dedicated to all the gods in ancient times. It has been repurposed as a church dedicated to Mary and the Martyrs. The term "Pantheon," derived from Greek, translates to "all gods." The Pantheon was originally constructed by Augustus and Agrippa in gratitude to the gods, following their victorious battle against Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Within its walls, there resided twelve statues representing the principal Roman deities, including Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Venus, and Mars. After a fire, the structure was reconstructed during Hadrian's era, and it was during this time that the iconic dome we recognize today was erected.
The dome - Masterpiece of classical architecture
This remarkable dome's influence can be seen in architectural marvels worldwide still today, such as the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Brunelleschi's dome in Florence, and the dome of the Washington Monument. The Pantheon's dome, still standing strong after over two millennia, remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in existence. Its most striking feature is the 9-meter diameter oculus (hole) at its center. This remarkable construction garnered admiration from Renaissance artists, including Raphael, who is buried here. Michelangelo replicated the Pantheon's dome for St. Peter's Basilica, though he scaled it down by one meter. The Pantheon's diameter is equal to its interior height, creating a perfectly proportioned cylindrical space.
Curiosities about the pantheon
1) The grand entrance is graced by a portico featuring 16 towering granite columns, each hailing from a single piece of stone.
2)The Pantheon was adorned with bronze decorations, which were later removed by Pope Barberini in order to construct a massive bronze canopy within St. Peter's Church. Hence, a renowned saying in Rome goes: "What the barbarians didn't steal, the Barberini did.
3) During Pentecost, firefighters release rose petals from the oculus of the Pantheon, creating a delightful cascade of roses.
4) Within the Pantheon, significant individuals including the Kings of Italy and Queen Margherita find their resting place. This association has led to the term "pantheon" in many languages being used to describe a building where notable individuals are interred.
