| Pantheon tips and photos posted by real travelers and Rome locals. • 529 Photos
• 311 Reviews
See all Rome Things To Do |
 | Rome Pantheon Reviews | 1 - 10 of 311 |  |
The Pantheon, the temple to “all the gods,” was spared destruction because it was given to a religion with one god. Lucky for us.
Indeed, today, the Pantheon still functions as a Roman Catholic church, with masses celebrated on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, just like any other local parish church in Rome. It is good to remember this when planning a visit. Although the building is usually open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., when services are being held you should refrain from walking around (though you can stand near the entrance). Entry is free through the massive, bronze doors, said to be “original” but having undergone significant restorations.
So many ironies, secrets, legends, art, politics, science, skill and history in one building.
To begin in the middle, (you already knew it was built by Emperor Hadrian in 118 AD to replace an earlier temple destroyed by fire, right?) the temple was closed in the 5th century as Christianity grew in power. Sometime between 607-9, it was given to Pope Boniface IV for use as a church by Emperor Phocas (Eastern Roman Empire). It was rechristened Santa Maria ad Martyres (St. Mary of the Martyrs). Twenty-eight wagonloads of Christian martyrs bones were moved from their graves and buried under the Pantheon, and the Pope proclaimed All Saints Day, a commemoration of all the martyrs. The church calendar had been getting more and more crowded, with not enough room to celebrate a day in honor of each saint.
Two years ago, the dirty and stained coffered ceiling underwent cleaning and restoration, resulting in this beautiful, pristine image of the oculus and the dark blue of an early evening sky. I've read that it used to be possible to write for permission to climb the dome from the outside, and look down, over the lip of the 9-meter wide (30 feet) oculus. Now THAT would be something! Leave a Comment Address: Piazza della RotondaDirections: In the middle of Rome's historical center, about a 5 minute walk east of Piazza Navona.
|
 | |  |
Visiting Rome?
Read reviews about Rome Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Unlike most huge monuments, the Pantheon takes only a moment to be overwhelmed by its beauty - stop at the portico - take a few steps - look ahead - left - right - upward -- it is all right there before your eyes. The immense vault, suspended overhead seemingly without support is crowned by the open circle - rays of sunlight bath the devout as their prayers rise to the heavens.
Rome's only monument that is architecturally intact from classical times. In reality, no one knows when it was built, but supposedly by Agrippa in 27 BC (due to the inscription "M Agrippa....") - actually it was destroyed by fire in 80 AD and redesigned by Hadrian. Hadrian said, "My intentions had been that this sanctuary of All Gods should reproduce the likeness of the terrestrial globe and of the stellar sphere...The cupola...revealed the sky through a great hole at the center, showing alternately dark and blue. This temple, both open and mysteriously enclosed, was conceived as a solar quadrant. The hours would make their round on that caissoned ceiling so carefully polished by Greek artisans; the disk of daylight would rest suspended there like a shield of gold; rain would form its clear pool on the pavement below, prayers would rise like smoke toward that void where we place the gods."
With the permission of Emperor Phocas in 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV converted the pagan temple into a Christian church - in 1929 it was named Basilica Palatina. The interior measures 43.4 meters (width & height). The thickness of the cupola diminishes as it rises. Light and air enter as prayers rise through the opening at the top - almost 9 meters across. Many famous people are buried here including Raphael and the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia.
Try to take your time here - come back when its not too crowded.
Photo and reference text by permission Robert Piperno non-commercial purpose only Address: Piazza della RontondaPhone: 06-6830-0230Directions: Piazza Rotonda
|
| | |
Inside the Pantheon, you will note that sixteen monolithic granite columns support the portico. At one time, the ceiling of this portico was covered with bronze, which weighed about 450 pounds, but it was removed by order of a ruler in the middle 1600s. Then, Bernini used that brass for the high altar at St. Peter's. However, the bronze doors are original.
The interior measures the same in diameter and height. They had the oculus so that prayers could ascend to heaven. I found it so serene, and I think that is because of its simplicity. Don't get me wrong; there is a difference between simplicity and being simple. The Pantheon is anything but simple. The finest materials were used in perfect proportion, which adds up to perfection.
Before it was a church, when multiple gods were worshipped, statues of gods and heroes were in the seven niches which surround the portico. There are still antique yellow marble columns that are original, and they remind us of the original splendor.
There are many sovereigns and artists buried here. One of the most well known is Raphael, a popular artist. Another famous person is Victor Emanuel II.
Take some time to really look at everything and soak in the perfection, the beauty, the simple elegance of this masterpiece of architecture.
There are plenty of narrow streets around the Pantheon with a mixture of restaurants, cafes, and financial/political buildings, so try eating nearby. We ate outside facing the Pantheon one lovely afternoon. It's certainly a great place to people watch. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza della RotondaPhone: 06-6830=0230
|
| | |
Another meeting point. The first thing that strikes you: The Pantheon. This jewel of Roman architecture just dominates this charming place. Very busy, filled with terraces, restaurants and bars (and Mc Donald's handling tourists), this cool little piazzas a also a nice place to stop and relax along your journey through Rome’s streets. In the middle of the square, is another fountain, this time, by Giacomo della Porta(and another obelisk). As you may or may not know, most of Rome’s fountain water is drinkable and you’ll probably notice those little “nose”-like fountains you can find almost everywhere in Rome (and it’s most welcome with Rome’s hot summers). Put your finger in the nose and the water will spring from a little hole on top so you don’t need to use some acrobatic positions to refresh yourself. Explore the streets around, especially on the right side of the square, turning your back to the Pantheon where you will find little jewelry and vintage clothes stores. And oh, don’t forget the Pantheon! Leave a Comment
|
| | |
The Pantheon is without a doubt the best preserved Roman monument. It is also one of the most copied piece of architecture in the world. People who know Washington DC will see similarities with the Jefferson Memorial and if you look at the ceiling of Union Station, you’ll notice it’s the same motif used in Pantheon's dome! The original building was ordered by Agrippa, one of emperor’s August most trusted general and was build in 26 AD. In fact, it is the Emperor Hadrian himself who designed the building we see now and had it built almost a century later but he preserved the heritage of Agrippa as you can read his name on top of the building. It is a temple dedicated to all the gods (Pan-Theos, in Greek means all-the gods). It used to be covered in shimmering marble, decorated with numerous statues and it has a huge bronze door. In 605, it was converted as a Christian Church (it still today) as Santa Maria ad Martyram. The Pantheon was stripped of most of its riches partially by order of Pope Urban VII who had the door stripped and melted the metal to make the canopy for the high altar of the Basilica of Saint-Peter, partially to make cannons for the Castel Sant'Angelo. The first thing you notice are those huge pillars and when you get in, the dome with its center hole designed to let the light flood in is striking. As a whole, the Pantheon is just impressive in its simplicity and the purity of its lines. You will also find the graves of different kings (Umberto I and Vittorio-Emmanuelle II) of Italy but also the genius painter Raphael who died really young. There is also the grave of queen Margherita (after which the famous -and patriotic- pizza is named after). Leave a Comment Address: Piazza della Rotonda
|
| | |
Visiting Rome?
Read reviews about Rome Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
The Pantheon is thought to have been originally been built in honor of the seven Roman gods that lent their names to the first known planets. Located in the Piazza della Rotonda, Roman legend says this is the spot where, upon his death, Rome's founder, Romulus, was taken to the Gods by eagles. The structure was built between 27 and 25 BC by Consul Agrippa, the Prefect of the Emperor Augustus. After a fire destroyed the temple, Domitian rebuilt the Pantheon in 80 AD. Pantheon, which is Greek for "everything divine" or more commonly "Temple of All Gods" was turned into a church by Pope Boniface IV in 609 AD, giving it the name "Santa Maria ad Martyres". The original monuments to the Roman gods are long gone, now replaced by the tombs of seven prominent Italian figures. Kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, his queen, Margherita, painters Raphael and Annibale, composer Archangelo Corelli and architect Baldassare Peruzzi. The Pantheon is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30-19:30, Sundays 9:00-18:00 and Holidays 9:00-13:00. Masses are held Saturdays at 17:00 and Sundays at 10:30. Admission is free. One of the most historic buildings on Earth and a must see when visiting the Eternal City. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza della RotondaPhone: +39 06 6830 0230Directions: Piazza della Rotonda, easy walk between Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navonna.
|
| | |
In 1575, under the order of Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni, Giacomo Della Porta designed a plan for a fountain to be placed in the centre of Piazza della Rotonda. Leonardo Sormani carried out the work, composed of a large marble vase with vertical water jets that came out from four large masks on the sides. Francesco Pincellotti, Lorenzo Ottoni and Vincenzo Felici carved the various figurations.
In 1711, Pope Clemente XI Albani ordered Filippo Barigioni to substitute the vase with the obelisk of Pharaoh Ramses II from the Temple of Isis. Luigi Amici carved the four dolphins at the base of the pedestal. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza della Rotonda
|
The Pantheon is the best preserved of the ancient Roman buildings and it is amazing.
Its dome is more than 40 metres high, and it was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was constructed.
At the top of the dome is a large opening, the oculus, which is the only source of light.
When you enter the Pantheon (free entry) you will find yourself standing in the centre, neck craned looking up to the sky in awe. Leave a Comment
|
It’s one of the rare things which is free in Rome. The exterior of the Pantheon for me is not such impressive like the interior. The name Pantheon comes from the fact that it was originally a temple to all gods. On the dome there is an opening in the center through which the light comes in. Leave a Comment Directions: Bus 40 Express, 64, 492, or 62 to Largo Argentina
|
The Pantheon has more than 1800 years old and stills stands as a reminder of the Roman Empire!
The building's dome, more than 43 meters high, is most impressive.
Originally a temple for all pagan gods, the temple was converted into a church in 609. The Pantheon contains the tombs of Rafael and of several Italian Kings. Its interior design contrast with the temple's structural design, but the marble floor still features the original Roman design.
The Pantheon borders the Piazza della Rotonda, a rectangular square with a central fountain. It is situated in the historic center of Rome, not far from the Piazza Navone. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza della RotondaDirections: Near the Piazza Navona.
|
|
More Rome Travel Deals Cheap Accomm Rome
Book our City Centre Apartments online from €29pp/night & save! Leon's Place
Exquisite, Posh, Gorgeous, Stylish! if you want a special stay in Rome. Rome Italy Hotels
Hotels.com Reviews, Photos & More! Book Now and Save on Rome Hotels Apartment - Rome
Short-term Rentals Central Location Elegant, Safe, Charming. Find Yours Sponsored Links
- Spartaco
Piazza delle Vaschette 13, Rome - Holiday Inn Parco Dei Medici
Viale Castello Della Magliana 65, Rome - Hotel Lussemburgo
Via Nino Bixio 70, Rome - Euro Quiris
Via Dei Mille 64, Rome - Pincio Hotel
Via Capo le Case 50, Rome - Résidence Pierre & Vacances Garden
Viale dell'Arte, 5A, Rome - Es. Hotel Rome
Via Filippo Turati 171, Rome - BHR ROME LODGE
Via Senorbi 89/b, Rome - Grand Htl Beverly Hills
Largo Benedetto Marcello 220, Rome - Hotel Adas
Via Cavour 233, Rome - Baltic Hotel Rome
Via 20 Settembre 89, Rome - A Casa di Serena a San Pietro
Piazzale degli Eroi - Circonvallazione Trionfale 1, Rome - Filomena e Francesca Bed and Breakfast
Via dei Liguri 7, Rome - D Este
Via Carlo Alberto 4/B, Rome - Ares Rooms
Via Domenichino 7, Rome
|
on May 22, 2006
on July 2, 2006
on May 11, 2005
on June 11, 2004
on April 16, 2009
on August 10, 2005
on November 7, 2004
on August 11, 2005
on August 16, 2006
