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 It is an imposing monument considered a masterpiece
of the Roman architecture. It is one of the ancient and best conserved
monuments in the world. Consul Agrippa had it built in 27 A.D. Placed in
"Piazza della Rotonda" near "Piazza Minerva" it was named "Pantheon"
because it was a temple dedicated to several divinities. Thanks, first,
to the restoration by Domiziano, and then to the reconstruction by
Adriano in 130 A.D., it has remained nearly integral. In 609 A.D. this
temple was given by Emperor Foca to Pope Bonifacio IV and changed into a
church; this is the reason why it is still in excellent conditions.
Nearly all what you can admire was built in Roman age, even the dome,
43,4 metres high, and the solid bronze door. The arcade is decorated,
inside, with valuable polychrome marbles whereas its façade has 16
monolithic granitic columns which are 14 metres high. Inside, the
"Pantheon" has a circular plan and a stately lacunar dome. The only
opening is in the middle of the dome and creates a luminous effect that
exalts the grandiosity and the harmony of this monument. In its chapels
there are numerous works of art and the tombs of thrItalian royal
families, of Baldassarre Peruzzi and Taddeo Zuccari and, above all,
there is Raffaello's grave. |
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