Pantheon, Rome

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Favorite thing: It is so weird to turn a corner in Rome and stumble upon the Pantheon. The first time I saw the Pantheon it simply took my breath away. The Pantheon is actually enormous!! The inside is beautiful and huge, although it is slightly dark in there.

Try to have dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants/cafes. The food at the restaurant I ate at was above average, but it was well worth it for the view of the Pantheon, the obelisk, and the people watching.

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Favorite thing: The Pantheon, (from Greek Pantheion, meaning "Temple of all the Gods") is a building in Rome which was originally built as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets in the state religion of Ancient Rome, but which has been a Christian church since the 7th century. It is the best-preserved of all Roman buildings and the oldest important building in the world with its original roof intact. It has been in continuous use throughout its history. Although the identity of the Pantheon's primary architect remains uncertain, it is largely assigned to Apollodorus of Damascus.

Favorite thing: My idea of Roman ruins was mostly of structures in varying states of decay. Certainly that rings true for lots of areas like the Forum and Colloseum. But the Pantheon is very different. The inside is breathtakingly beautiful. Many different colors and types of marble cover the walls and floors, along with wonderful statues and paintings. It's very similar to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Just glorious.

Favorite thing: One of my most favorite places in Rome---you can sit, sketch, people watch, and admire the beauty. When I was there I was also able to admire the scaffolding for the resoration inside...hopefully it will be completed soon!

Favorite thing: This is one of the best kept of Roman monuments, built by Agripa in 27 (b.c.). Inside you can find the tombs of Rafael and the kings of Italy, like Vittorio Emanuele.-

Mandado construir por Agripa (27 d.c.) es uno de las más magníficas edificaciones romanas que ha sobrevivido casi intacta hasta nuestros días. En su interior se encuentran las tumbas del pintor Rafael y de los reyes de Italia.-

Fondest memory: It´s an amazing building, with an incredible construction if you think that it is a very ancient building.

Es una edificio asombroso por lo perfecto de su construcción teniendo en cuenta la antiguedad que tiene. Tiene una abertura en su cúpula que es por donde entra la única luz que recibe el recinto.

Favorite thing: This ancient Roman structure is a true architectural feat despite the remaining hole (see other tip). It is a tribute to the genius of the architects of the time, and has inspired many constructions, even during the Renaissance (see tip in Naples). It is one of the highlights of central Rome to visit when going from Piazza Navona to the Fontana di Trevi, for example.

Fondest memory: After the Trevi Fountain, this had to be my second favourite place. It is one of the most ancient buildings in Rome, apparently dating back to the first century! Entrance is free and if you are lucky, get into one of the free tours there. At noon the sunlight shines through a hole in the roof and a beam of dusty sunshine pierces through the dark and illuminates the entry-way. The dome is huge and was the inspiration for the great cathedral dome makers of later times. The architectural bits of trivia are mind blowing. The last King of Italy is buried there as is the painter Raphael. Don't miss the Pantheon. It is truly impressive.

Favorite thing: The Pantheon....Built by Hadrian in 118 AD. As a temple throughout the centuries it has housed a church,fortress and a poultry market. Today . it is a great example of Ancient Roman engineering. The shrines that now line the wall range from the tomb of Rafael to those of kings of Italy.