We were following a Rick Steves’ walk through the “Heart of Rome” when upon rounding a corner from an unassuming side street we came face to face with the Pantheon. It literally took our breath away. We had seen photos and travel shows related to the Pantheon but it cannot compare to actually seeing it for the first time. From the ground breaking architecture of its rotunda, and the sheer grandeur and size of its imposing columns to the Egyptian obelisk rising in front like a sentinel it is truly one of the great ancient sites of Europe.
Tucked innocuously in the Piazza della Rotonda somewhere between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona it is one of
the best preserved monuments of Ancient Rome. Despite the fact that we were looking for exactly this place, to actually stumble across a building that has been a part of the Roman landscape since around 128 AD is both humbling and awe inspiring.
In our last installment of the Ancient Sites of Europe we remain in the capital city of Italy for a quick but unforgettable visit to the Pantheon. It is open to the public with no admission charge, security screening or queues to navigate. Like many places of worship in Italy you can freely enter this church and spend time there as an interested tourist or in quiet reflection.
Built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian it features a massive domed ceiling that was the largest of its kind when it was built. Originally a pagan temple, Pope Boniface IV converted it to a Christian church in 609. Despite falling into disrepair prior to that the papacy had the resources to repair and maintain the structure which is why it has managed to survive all these centuries.
Probably one of its most enduring features is the 27 feet wide oculus, or opening, that sits atop its massive rotunda. It lets light, rain and other weather into the Pantheon as to this day it has no covering. The Pantheon was an important influence for many architects and inspired numerous homes and buildings around the world, including the US Capital rotunda in Washington.
As a church it also became the burial place to many Renaissance figures include the painter Raphael, composer Corelli and architect Baldassare Puruzzi. It is also the resting place of monarchs including Vittoria Emmanuell II, the first king of Italy since the 6th century who died in 1878, his son Umberto I who was assassinated in 1900, and Umberto’s wife Queen Margherita who passed away in 1926. As you wander around the outer reaches of the building take time to appreciate the great masters and leaders that reside within its hallowed walls.
Although a major tourist destination the Pantheon continues to function as a church and Catholica mass is held regularly. Throughout the day you may find opportunities to join in on prayer or perhaps light a candle.
For more detail on the Pantheon, and other ancient sites of Europe check out the History Channel Online at www.history.com.