The Pantheon
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
Located in the center of modern Rome, the Pantheon is a well preserved example of the ingenuity of ancient Roman architecture. The building is circular with a diameter of 142 feet and has a dome which follows the contours of a perfect sphere. Archaeologists believe that the dome was constructed by pouring a mixture of concrete into a temporary wooden template. In order to be able to support the dome, the walls of the Pantheon are nearly 20 feet thick.
The Pantheon is located in Piazza della Rotonda, fronted by a fountain with an obelisk at its center and an open air cafe. Piazza Navona is only a few minutes from the Pantheon.
The entrance to the structure is through granite columns. The giant dome has a single opening in its center, which provides light to the interior. The interior has a marble floor of ancient Roman origin, and houses tombs of Raphael and Victor Emmanuel II. The Pantheon is open to visitors most days and Sunday mornings, except on certain holidays.
