Over time, the people of the world have started flocking to places that are culturally rich
and have deep history stored in their buildings and monuments.
Among other places of the world, Italy is that one place that welcomes tens of thousands
of visitors and tourists each year to get a look at all they have in store for them.
From the colosseum to the Pantheon, and more there is a lot that people like to visit and
take a look at.
Today, we have this detailed and fun video guide for you on the famous Pantheon.
Why pick the Pantheon for today's video?
Well, we thought our audience would love to get some information on the most perfectly
preserved monument in the area.
With the biggest brick dome ever seen, the Pantheon is one monument that is not just
admired by artists and viewers all over the world but is also one that you would find
to be the most replicated and imitated.
Well, with such beautiful architecture, we can’t blame them though.
Before we rave on further about the architecture, let’s find out a bit about how old it is
and when it was built.
Creation of the Pantheon
When we think of the name, to better understand it, let’s break it down.
Made from Greek works, the Pantheon breaks down to pan and Theon which equals everything
divine.
Sounds majestic, right?
This is the place that has been known to have tons of various roman legends associated with
it.
It is said that here Romulus, the founder of Rome was taken by an eagle and fled into
the skies.
Built-in the years 25 to 27 BC, the Pantheon was the artwork of the famous Agrippa.
Marcus Agrippa was the prefect of Augustus who used to be an emperor.
Unfortunately, what you and I see today when we view the Pantheon is not how it looked
after its construction was completed the first time.
It is said that the entire building went through tons of restructuring after there was a fire.
But, unfortunately once again the lightning hit the place and it caught fire.
As a result of this, there was more need for rebuilding which was done by Emperor Hadrian.
Purpose of the Pantheon
Now that you know what the Pantheon means and when it was built, we are sure you might
be interested in learning what it was made for.
Well, this stunning building and monument were made like a temple for the Roman gods.
Do you remember us telling you that the word pan means everything in Greek?
Well, that same every applies to the Gods as well.
This was designed as a temple for each and every Roman god out there.
Today, however, the purpose of the place has been changed a little.
When back then it was dedicated to the Roam Gods, today, it functions well as a church
and as a tourist destination as well.
According to reports, it is known that around seven million people go to Italy to visit
the famous Pantheon each year.
What was originally supposed to be a pagan temple was later on in 608 AD converted into
a catholic church.
The Architecture of the Pantheon
The architecture of this place is undoubtedly the fanciest and most important part.
To put it simply, let’s start with the structure of it.
When we look at it, what we see is a huge series of different arches that are intersecting
each other.
These arches are placed on eight different piers situated around.
Coming to the famous dome of the Pantheon, it is supported by some more arches that run
horizontally around the dome adding to its support and its aesthetic appeal.
The Romans were also very particular about the construction and put a lot of thought
and effort into it.
They decided to use lighter material on the top of the dome so that it may not topple
down and heavy material near the base to stabilize it.
Lastly, the lightest material of them all, pumice was used to put a ceiling on the dome.
It is said that the wooden scaffolding method might have been used in its construction which
would have been quite expensive back then.
While that was the exterior, the interior is no less as well.
Right at the end of the aisles, there is the status of Agrippa and Augustus.
One fun fact is that the diameter and the interior height of the Pantheon are the same
which is around 145 roman feet!
There is a 27 feet wide oculus at the top which lets in light into the Pantheon as it
has no covering.
Even Michelangelo was of the view that the Pantheon was the design of angels and not
the man with its marble and gilt and whatnot.
Today, those who visit the Pantheon will be at a spot where various renaissance figures
have been buried such as the architect Peruzzi and Raphael the painter.
Moreover, monarchs such as Vittorio Emanuele who was the first king of Italy, and Queen
Margherita are buried there as well.
With a simple yet powerful architectural design, including bronze doors, geometric clarity,
and enormity, the Pantheon is one place that tourists can’t get enough of.
Various changes have been made to the building such as the original finishing getting lost
in rebuilding, etc. but it remains to be one of the most important pieces of Roman architecture.
Add it to your bucket list now and thank us later!
Stay tuned for more exciting and informative videos.
Till then, goodbye.