ROMAN PANTHEON
The Roman Pantheon is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Rome. Originally constructed as a temple to worship all Roman gods, the Pantheon was built around 27 BC, razed and rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian around 120 CE. That building is similar with the one you see now.
The structure is designed as a complete circle, with a hole in the roof to let the sunlight in. The opening is meant to represent the eye of heaven staring down inside the temple. The building has bronze doors and three levels of granite columns that have remained in the structure for nearly 2000 years. The top of the dome is comparable to the circular interior diameter of the building. It's impressive to think back under what era the Pantheon was originally constructed under, and then to see its beauty and its mathematical symmetry.
MAIN FEATURES :
During the winter, the sunlight traces a shaft across the domed roof interior. During summer, the sun is higher and it shines onto the floor and lower walls. At the two equinoxes, in September and March, the sunlight strikes the area between the wall and roof, above the Pantheon's main northern doorway. At both months, the sun is on the equinoctial line, for ancient Roman, it was interpreted as the most balanced area of the sky, an ideal eternal home for their Gods. Some scholars believe that the opening was meant as a large sundial, to determine the exact time of festivals and worships.
Visiting the Pantheon is a truly impressive retrospect at history. It's an awe-inspiring experience to stand in the centre of the building and look up toward the dome, standing the same place where people had worshipped ancient Gods thousands of years ago. It's perplexing to think that the same building that was constructed before the time of heavy machinery and computer-aided-design has remained not only withstands the test of time, but also in such pristine condition.
The Pantheon is located a short drive away from the Piazza della Rotonda, a lively square with a variety of shops and restaurants. Visiting the Pantheon and the Piazza della Rotonda can make for an extraordinary summer afternoon. Visit the impressive Pantheon in the morning and spend a relaxing afternoon in the square for dining and shopping.
Some vital information for visitors::
The Pantheon is open to public: Monday through-Saturday 9.00 AM - 7:30 PM while in Sunday 9 AM - 5:30 PM and closed in May 1st, Christmas, and New Years day, no entrance fee required.