The Pantheon

The Pantheon is the most mysterious of all the buildings of Ancient Rome. It is not precisely known when, how, and by whom it was built. It is assumed that the construction of the temple was completed in 27 BC under the patronage of the Roman statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. After several fires, the Pantheon was severely damaged and was rebuilt in 124 AD under Emperor Hadrian, acquiring its modern appearance.

Although the new temple was significantly different from the original building, Emperor Hadrian wanted to honor Agrippa and left on the facade of the building the original inscription in bronze letters:

Pantheon - what the inscription means. The Latin inscription "M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIVM.FECIT" literally translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made [this] during his third consulship".

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Pantheon was abandoned for several centuries until in 608 AD, the Byzantine Emperor Phocas transferred it to Pope Boniface IV, who dedicated the ancient structure to St. Mary and all the Martyrs. During the unification of Italy (1871—1894), the Pantheon served as a fortress for the kings.

Today, the Pantheon stands as one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. The Pantheon's influence can be seen in numerous Western buildings, from Renaissance churches to modern governmental structures. It continues to be a place of worship, a tomb for Italian kings and notable figures like the artist Raphael, and a must-visit site for tourists from around the globe.

The architecture of the Pantheon in Rome is a pinnacle of ancient Roman engineering and architectural design, embodying innovation, harmony, and symbolism.

The most striking feature of the Pantheon is its massive dome, the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world even to this day.

The concrete used in the dome varies in composition and weight, with lighter materials such as pumice used towards the top to reduce the load. To support such a huge hemisphere, it was necessary to increase the thickness of the walls to 6 meters. The dome spans 43.3 meters (142 ft) in diameter and was once the largest dome in the world until the modern era. Its construction remains a subject of study and admiration for its ingenuity and the skillful application of ancient engineering principles.

At the dome's apex is the oculus, a 9-meter (30 ft) wide circular opening that serves as the Pantheon's sole source of natural light. The oculus is key to the architectural and symbolic significance of the Pantheon. Architecturally, it reduces the weight of the dome's apex, preventing the dome from collapsing under its own weight. Symbolically, the oculus represents the eye of the universe, a direct link between the temple's interior and the heavens above.

The Pantheon's entrance is marked by a grand portico with eight massive Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment (всего колонн 16). This frontispiece, typical of classical architecture, contrasts with the innovative circular design of the main building. The portico leads to a rectangular vestibule, which then opens into the vast circular rotunda. This transition from a traditional rectangular form to a circular one is seamless yet profound, showcasing the Romans' architectural versatility and their ability to integrate different elements into a harmonious whole.

The Pantheon's construction utilized a range of materials, including concrete for the dome and drum, granite for the portico's columns, and marble for the interior decoration. The use of concrete, a relatively new material at the time, allowed for the dome's unprecedented scale and design. The columns, each made from a single piece of granite, were transported from Egypt.

The Pantheon's design is imbued with symbolic meaning. The dimensions of the rotunda and the height of the dome are the same (43.3 meters), creating a perfect sphere that symbolizes the earth and the dome the heavens, embodying the ancient Romans' cosmological beliefs. The interior decoration, including the use of different colored marbles, further emphasizes this celestial symbolism, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere that connects the earthly realm with the divine.

The interior of the Pantheon is no less magnificent than the exterior, although many statues and gilded bronze decorations have disappeared over the centuries. Since the 15th century, the temple has been enriched with frescoes, the most famous of which is "The Annunciation" by Melozzo da Forlì.

The temple has seven niches, arranged with paired columns, which originally served for worshipping deities associated with the cult of the planets: the Sun, the Moon, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars. When the Pantheon was consecrated as a Christian basilica, these niches were used for installing altars and tombs of famous people.

Starting from the Renaissance, the Pantheon, like all churches, became a burial place for distinguished individuals. It is the final resting place of priests, notable cultural figures, and even kings: Umberto I and Emmanuel II. The tomb of the painter Raphael Sanzio occupies a special place.

The architectural legacy of the Pantheon is immense. It has influenced countless buildings throughout history, from Renaissance churches to modern-day government buildings and museums. Its design and innovations have shaped architectural thought for centuries, beginning with the Renaissance when there was a renewed interest in antiquity. Architects of the time, inspired by its proportions and engineering, explored and emulated its structure. Filippo Brunelleschi, studying the Pantheon, created the dome of the Florence Cathedral, solving an engineering problem that had been unresolved since the construction of the Pantheon itself.

The Pantheon influenced many outstanding architects, including Michelangelo, who called it the "design of angels". Its dome inspired not only the creation of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican but also served as a model for many iconic structures around the world, such as the United States Capitol.

The Pantheon is a symbol of architectural perfection; its technology and dome construction are studied to this day. It is a pilgrimage site for architects and architecture enthusiasts, serving as a link to the past and a source of inspiration for future generations. Its influence embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that drives architecture.

Many famous buildings reflect the structure of the Pantheon with its portico and dome: the Church of San Carlo al Corso in Milan, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola in Naples, the Church of Gran Madre di Dio in Turin, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, and others.

The concrete used in the Pantheon's dome is a marvel of ancient engineering. The Romans used a mixture that included volcanic ash, which made the concrete both lighter and stronger as it neared the oculus at the top of the dome. This technique was crucial for supporting the weight of the massive structure.

Although the Pantheon's oculus is open to the sky, allowing rain to enter the building, the floor is slightly convex and equipped with 22 hidden drains that quickly disperse water, a practical solution to a potential problem.

The interior of the Pantheon could contain a perfect sphere, as the height of the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same—43.3 meters (142 feet). This spherical design symbolized the vault of the heavens.

The Pantheon's dome remained the largest in the world until the 15th century and is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built, a testament to the ingenuity of its architects and builders.

Despite extensive study, the exact methods used to construct the Pantheon, particularly its dome, remain somewhat of a mystery. The techniques and tools used by the Romans in its construction are still the subject of research and debate among historians and engineers.

The oculus creates a dramatic effect inside the Pantheon. On April 21, which is thought to be the founding date of Rome, the sunbeam from the oculus hits the doorway at noon. This effect may have had symbolic significance, possibly aligning with certain religious or civic ceremonies.