VI
EN
The Pantheon is a 2,000-year-old architectural masterpiece of the ancient Roman Empire that remains the best-preserved to this day. Known as the "Temple of All Gods," its name derives from the Latin words "pan" meaning "all" and "theos" meaning "gods."
The 2,000-year-old temple has been revived many times.
The Pantheon was completed around 126-128 AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The Pantheon stands on the site of an earlier structure of the same name, built around 25 BC.
The Pantheon was first destroyed in a fire around 80 AD. It was later rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, but about 30 years later it was severely damaged again by fire.
The Pantheon temple was destroyed twice by fire.
During that time, the Pantheon fell into disrepair due to lack of maintenance. Between 118 and 124 AD, under the reign of King Publius Aelius Hadrianus, the Pantheon was completely rebuilt with a design that remains in use today.
In 330, the capital of the Roman Empire was moved by Emperor Constantine from Rome to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul, Türkiye). The Pantheon was almost abandoned and left unrepaired for a long time.
By 609, the Byzantine emperor Phocas had authorized Pope Boniface IV to convert the Pantheon into a Christian church called Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres (Saint Mary and the Martyrs). This conversion played a crucial role in the Pantheon's survival, as it provided the Pope with sufficient resources and finances to maintain the temple.
Inside the Pantheon
Furthermore, the Pantheon has become a solemn resting place for great figures. Among them are many familiar names such as Jean Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Marie Curie, Pierre Curie... The tombs of famous writers, artists, and scientists are all placed respectfully in the basement, where visitors can express their respect and admiration for those who have brought glory to the country and dedicated themselves to human civilization.
The magnificent architectural structures of the ancient Roman Empire.
The structure of the Pantheon consists of three parts: a portico with granite columns, a large cathedral with a dome, and a rectangular area connecting the other two parts. All are constructed primarily of brick and concrete.
The Pantheon is considered a remarkably precise construction, from its materials and arrangement to its overall design. The dome is made entirely of reinforced concrete, with a diameter of 43.3 meters. Even more remarkable is that the Pantheon has no windows; instead, there is a single circular "eye" called the Oculus, 8.3 meters in diameter, located in the center of the dome, allowing light and air to enter and distribute throughout the hall. Furthermore, the walls and floors of the church are decorated with marble and gilded.
A stream of light shone down from the dome into the hall.
When visiting the Pantheon on sunny days, the light streaming down from the dome into the hall creates a mystical feeling, as if the gods are about to emerge from that light and the dome is a protective sky created by the gods.
The form and scale of the Pantheon surpassed all previous Greek and Roman temples. The Pantheon's facade resembled Greek-style temples with three rows of Corinthian columns made of stone. Each column weighed approximately 60 tons, was 11.8 meters high, and 1.5 meters in diameter, and was brought from Egypt. Transporting these stone columns from Egypt to Rome was a remarkable feat at the time.
In front of the temple is a fountain, originally designed by the architect Giacomo Della Porta in 1575. Egyptian obelisks were added in 1711. Inside the Pantheon are the tomb of the painter Raphael, the tomb of the first king of Italy, Emmanuel II, and the tombs of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita.
The Pantheon is currently a top tourist attraction in Rome, Italy.
The architectural design of the Pantheon has inspired countless important architectural works throughout history, spanning from Europe to the Americas.
To this day, the Pantheon remains a top tourist attraction in Rome, Italy. More than just a historical monument or a Catholic cathedral, it is a symbol of power and a masterpiece of the once glorious Roman Empire.
