There is so much history in Rome, it is ridiculous, in the best of ways. On my first visit in 2018, I saw the biggest attractions. Some of these made such an impact on me, I am back to see them a second time. One such site is the Pantheon – being in a magical place and the emotions it evokes is what brings me back for more.
Location
The Pantheon is smack dab in the centre of Rome surrounded by a multitude of historical sites and buildings. Close by are the Colosseum, Altar of the Fatherland, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and so many other historical treasures. A small plaza is located out front, but other than that, the neighbouring buildings are as close as 25 feet away.
You can walk around the entire building, which I love. To me, the back side is just as fascinating as the front. One can view the brickwork and few remaining pieces of ornate granite decoration as well as a column that is still attached to the structure.
The round shape is clearly visible from the sides and back.
At the front you see the row of eight huge granite columns with two rows of four behind. And just past these are the massive doors.
History
Briefly, the Pantheon was a Roman temple when first constructed about 2,000 years ago. Around 600AD it became a Catholic church which is has remained until this very day. When you go inside, you can sit in a pew close to the altar. Services are still held here regularly.
The Interior
Well, this is the marvel is it not? Standing inside, under a ceiling so huge, you cannot see it all at once. And a dome no less, that is the largest and oldest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. At the top centre is an opening to the skies above called an oculus.
When the sun is shining a ring will appear on the inside of the dome. When rain falls, it enters the building through the hole, falls down the 43 meters to the floor, and drains through holes in the tile. Ingenious. To think this is still functioning 2,000 years after it was built is incredible.
Not only is the height 43m but the diameter is as well. Around the sides are various altars, paintings and tombstones. Buried here is the painter Raphael who died in 1520.
Standing inside this huge beautiful building, I feel secure, I feel wrapped in protection. It is hard to explain. Perhaps it is the organic shape of the dome, or the circular shape of the building, but I feel enveloped and safe. The Pantheon is magic for me.
