The Pantheon

Built during the 1st century AD, with no exact date documented, by an unknown architect during the reign of Hadrian, it is known to be the second dome built in the world and the present structure is thought to have been originally built as a temple for all the pagan gods. The rotonda is also believed to have been a Roman bath. The portico found in front of the building is what remains of the original temple of Agrippa. The Pantheon was built to emphasize the dome inside rather than outside, although the original bronze guilded roof tiles once found on the dome but later claimed by a Byzantine emperor on a short visit to Rome, might have made it more evident.

The Pantheon was made a Catholic Church after Rome's conversion to Catholicism where church services are still held today. Before entering the Pantheon you will remained awed by the enormity of the columns that form the pillared porch an once inside you'll find youself looking up amazed at the size of the area above you focusing to find the opening in the dome.

A masterpiece of both engineering and art, the Pantheon is most likely the best preserved of all Rome's ancient buildings and a lasting memory of ancient Roman power. It is said that when it rains you won't get wet standing under the opening because the water will evaporate before it hits.