The Pantheon

Going outside of the country was a experience in itself but for yourself you got to set some ground rules and ask yourself what you are hoping to get out of this experience. I tend to be an introverted person but I told myself that I needed to make things happen. I did and I didn't regret a thing! This journey was a very personal journey but I want to share the magic and energy that is Italy and it's people. 

So day one was understandably pretty overwhelming and quite a ride but I had to realize that I had a month to enjoy this!

 Ancient Rome: 500 BCE-400 CE

At this time it's understood that Rome was conquering many countries and with this came the spoils. It was about the spectacle and oh was there plenty of spectacle that thankfully survives to this day. 

The Pantheon

The Oculus and coffers

This Pantheon was originally dedicated to all the Gods but was transformed into a Christian church. Marcus Agrippa commissioned the temple during the 3rd council ship or 1st century A.D. The entry way has a classical Greek style but it is a marvel of Roman architecture. There are 16 columns made of granite but there is also granite instigated into the structure. Archs are present on the side and small holes can be seen in the outer wall due to people with stalls whom would use these holes to keep their stalls stable. 

Decorated columns and holes for stalls.

Raphael a great artist is buried here along with two kings and a queen. It is 142 ft. in diameter and has the largest un-reinforced dome in the world. The walls at the base are 20 ft. thick. Even though the exterior seems quite miraculous the real awe-inspiring part is the preserved ancient temple inside. Inside shows the true scale and beauty. Looking up you see the oculus which is a hole providing light into the interior. Hollow decorative coffers circle the dome to reduce it's weight. Elaborate marble can be seen throughout with biblical scenes on the walls in between beautiful columns. A altar sits at the back of the Pantheon where people can worship. It was a real treat to see this wonder and to go to Raphael's grave since he is one of my favorite artists. 

Raphael's tomb

Interesting facts:

• The dome was cast by pouring concrete over a temporary wooden framework.
• Brick arches embedded in the structure of the wall act as internal buttresses, distributing the weight of the dome.
• Was used as a fortress and poultry market
• Bronze from the portico was melted down for Bernini's Baldacchino at St. Peter's Basilica.