The Pantheon
The Pantheon
 is
adjacent to the Piazza della Rotonda, which contains the
fountain above, which is crowned by an Roman obelisk dating from the 2nd
century. The Pantheon or Palace of the Gods, is the finest
surviving building from Roman times. Considering the
technology available, it is incredible that a building with these
details and a dome of this size could have been built, nevertheless
survive into modern times. |
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Temples had existed at this site before the Pantheon, but they were
minor constructions. The Pantheon Temple was built by
the Emperor Hadrian on the ruins of a temple built by Agrippa
during the previous century.
The Pantheon's granite columns were quarried in Egypt, transported
up the Nile, across the Mediterranean and up the Tiber where they
were then wrestled to the building site.
The amazing dome was built in a manner that used progressively
lighter construction as it reached for the sky. The
indented designs on the dome's surface were used to remove weight
and increase the structure's strength. The oculus (the circular
opening at the apex of the dome) served two roles. First, the
omission of weight strengthened the dome by reducing stress at the
apex. Second, the oculus served to provide interior light while
representing the sun in the heavens.
The details of the Pantheon are rich and inviting. Spend some time
here taking in the beauty and complexity of monument to the
architectural skill of the ancient Romans. When finished, you
will find many places to take a break in the surrounding Piazza
della Rotonda.
While in the area of the Pantheon, consider a brief detour to the
Piazza della Minerva, just down the street and in-sight-of the
Pantheon. This small Piazza houses another of Bernini's
obelisk-centered creations. The obelisk is Egyptian in
origin, dates from the 6th century B.C. and is combined with an
elephant in a visually appealing presentation. The Piazza, by
the way, is named for the Church Saint Minerva, which was built over
an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. The church is in the background of the
picture below.
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