Rome is a fascinating city and there are many things to see. Here is a list of some of Rome's most popular sights.
The Pantheon is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome and one of the most important temples of the story. It boasts many primacies: was the largest dome in the world, the most imitated of all times and the first of all modern places of worship.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek and means "temple of all the gods" - τό Πάνθειον (ἱερόν).
Began as a Roman temple and later became the Catholic Church, it brings together lots of architectural styles.
The entrance is impressive, with a massive colonnade: are sixteen monolithic granite columns, more than 14 meters high, gray and pink, brought from Egypt. The interior space is empty and represents the sky and its perfect harmony. All around are the seven deities related to the cult of planets: Sun, Moon, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars. With the Christianization some of them were used for the construction of small altars dedicated to the Christian martyrs.
The most characteristic part is located at the top of the dome: is a large opening of almost 9 feet in diameter, the oculus, which was once the only source of light. A curiosity about the oculus is the stack effect: when it rains the game of drafts creates an optical illusion where it seems that in fact the water does not fall inside the temple.
OPENING
Monday - Saturday 8:30 to 19:30
Sunday and holidays 9:00 to 01:00
Closed Christmas, New Year and May 1.
Piazza della Rotonda - 00186 Roma
FREE ENTRY
Credits Pics Flickr Gallery: amesis - biker june - scottiegirl - Son of Groucho
