From watching too much Discovery Channel, Pantheon is know for how the large dome was built. Being one of the key attractions in Rome, it is surprisingly not crowded. Pantheon is a Catholic church consecrated in an existing Roman Pagan Template and also the dome construction.

We did buy the tickets way before we travelled but I think it was not required as there’s no queue. Buying ticket in advance just means you get to walk in to Pantheon instead of spending a few mins buying ticket from the counter.

The Roman Temple

Pantheon was built on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – AD 14); then, after the original burnt down, the present building was ordered by the emperor Hadrian and probably dedicated c. AD 126 – wikipedia

Since since AD 609, it is a Catholic church.

The Dome

Pantheon is an assuming building from the outside. Inside the magnificent dome covers the whole building, making it look large. There is a huge hole in the middle of the dome, apparently rain does not make it through the hole. There is a small hole on the floor I suppose in case it does get wet and water gets to drain out.

There are 16 columns holding up the dome. Outside, there are concrete rings at the base of the dome to keep it upright and pushing the forces downwards. The design and construction of the dome is a marvel of Roman engineering.

The Church

Pantheon is a functioning church called Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs. There are many chapels and altars in Pantheon dedicated to various apostles, saints and important people in Rome. At the front of Pantheon is the altar for the church.

At the altar, we saw the wooden icon of the Holy Virgin of Santa Maria ad Martyres.

The Madonna of the Pantheon dates back to the consecration of the ancient Roman temple to all the gods as the Christian Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres on May 13th, 609 A.D. The temple was given to Pope Boniface IV by the Byzantine Emperor Phocas and the pope transformed it in a church dedicated to Mary and all the Christian martyrs who had died from persecution. The Madonna of the Pantheon was likely given to Boniface by Phocas as part of the gifts and offerings made in honor of the consecration of the new church.- History Blog

Raphael’s Tomb

We were surprised to find Raphael’s tomb in Pantheon. In our tour through the Vatican City, it was mentioned that Raphael was one of main painters to the Pope. Raphael’s paintings were very important to the Vatican, even till now. When he died at the age of 37, Pope Leo X allowed him to be entombed in Pantheon.

Pantheon Experience

We went in just because of the dome and the history of Pantheon. We were pleasantly surprised there are a few notable things to see in Pantheon. We took our time to walk along the walls and read on each of the chapel. I find the stations of passion of christ looks beautiful and unique. There’s chairs as part of the church, somewhere to sit, rest and admire the place.