Pantheon, Rome

• Location: Rome, Italy

• Architect: Apollodorus of Damascus / Emperor Hadrian

• Style: Roman

• Completed in: 125 A.D.

• Denomination: Roman Empire Temple --> Catholic Church

The Pantheon in Rome is one of the best-preserved monuments of Ancient Rome and a masterpiece of classical architecture.

The first Pantheon was built around 27 BC, by Marcus Agrippa, the son-in-law and lieutenant to the Roman emperor Augustus. Pantheon is said to be a temple dedicated to all the gods, however, there are many studies suggesting that it is not the case. One of the studies suggests that Pantheon was originally built to deify Emperor Augustus, however, it was changed to "all the gods" to avoid the criticism from the Roman citizens.

The first Pantheon was destroyed by fire around 80 AD, therefore the second Pantheon was constructed by Emperor Domitian but again destroyed this time by lighting in 110 AD. The current Pantheon is the third one constructed this time by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD. The Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in 609 CE and is also known as Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs. This is one of the main reasons where the building was preserved through centuries of political and religious upheaval. Over time, it also became a burial place for notable figures, including the Renaissance artist Raphael.

The Latin inscription "M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT" can be translated as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made [this building] when consul for the third time."

"Front view of Pantheon"

The portico of Pantheon consists of 16 Egyptian-granite unfluted columns with Corinthian capitals (made of white Greek marble - the same marble as Athens' Parthenon). The darkened part at the bottom of the columns indicates that the level of ground was elevated in the Middle Ages where the visitors had to use a staircase to descend from the ground level down to the front door.

The three columns on far left are not original as they were badly damaged in the Middle Ages and replaced with ones from the Villa of Domitian or Baths of Nero. The Corinthian capital of the rest of 13 columns seems "worn-out" due to weather and time.

"Corinthian columns in the portico"

The roof trusses of portico were originally made of bronze, however, they are currently made of wood. This is because the original bronze trusses were taken and melted down in 1626 to manufacture more cannons for the Castel Sant'Angelo. Those bronze trusses have been since replaced by the wooden trusses.

"Wooden roof trusses of portico"

"The original bronze entrance door"

The most remarkable feature upon the entry of Pantheon is an oculus at the top of the dome. It is a circular opening at the center of its massive dome, measuring 8.2 meters in diameter. It is the dome's only source of natural light, creating a dramatic effect as sunlight moves across the interior throughout the day. It symbolizes a connection between the heavens and the interior space, reinforcing the Pantheon’s spiritual and architectural significance.

"Oculus at the top of the dome"

Open to the sky, the oculus allows rain to enter, but the floor beneath is slightly sloped with a drainage system to manage water. Tiny holes are integrated into the floor tiles where the rain water can drain to the drainage system developed underneath.

"The central section is cordoned off when it rains"

"Drainage holes on the floor tile"

Pantheon was consecrated as a Roman Catholic church in 609 AD as the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres by Pope Boniface IV, who dedicated it to the Virgin Mary and all Christian martyrs. This transformation played a key role in preserving the Pantheon through the centuries. While retaining much of the original architecture, the basilica has been added with altars, chapels, and iconography, blending its pagan origins with its current Christian identity.

"High alter"

"Chapel of St Joseph of the Holy Land"

Over time, the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres has become a sacred space and a significant cultural monument. It also serves as the final resting place for notable figures, including the prominent Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, Raphael and several Italian kings.

"Tomb of Raphael"

At the back of Pantheon, there used to exist the Basilica of Neptune, which was built in 25 BC by Agrippa to honor the sea god Neptune to celebrate his naval victory in the battle of Actium against Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC. The basilica, however, was destroyed by the fire, the same fire which destroyed the first Pantheon in 80 AD.

The Basilica of Neptune was never re-built and however it remains can still be observed at the rear end of Pantheon. Some marine elements such as tridents, shells and tridents can be observed in the details of the ruins. The Basilica was not a temple but rather a meeting hall.

"Remains of Basilica of Neptune at the back of Pantheon"

"Remains of Basilica of Neptune at the back of Pantheon"

"Remains of Basilica of Neptune at the back of Pantheon"

References:

A Touch of Rome. (n.d.). The Pantheon - The Greatest Building in the World. Retrieved from https://www.atouchofrome.com/pantheon-explained-page-1.html

A Touch of Rome. (n.d.). The Pantheon: Mastery of Roman Architecture & Engineering | Exploring Building History. Retrieved from https://www.atouchofrome.com/pantheon-explained-page-1.html

Bondono, J. (n.d.). Basilica of Neptune. Retrieved from https://www.jeffbondono.com/touristinrome/BasilicaOfNeptune.html

Claridge, A. (1998). Rome. Oxford Archaeological Guides. Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0192880039.

Pantheon Roma. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved from https://www.pantheonroma.com/home-eng/

Rome Reborn. (n.d.). Pantheon. Retrieved from https://romereborn.virginia.edu (Archived on November 9, 2012).

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pantheon, Rome. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome