In and Around the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of, if not my favorite buildings in all of Rome.
It sneaks up on you, from out of nowhere, a small slice of it’s beauty on display when peering down the sidestreets.
Something about the way the massive round structure marries with the front of the square, angled portico.
Last week we paid special attention to the portico. Mainly for the welcome shade it provided, but also for the stunning perspective of both the space and the Piazza della Rotunda, on which the Pantheon sits.
Even the details like the ornate marble plaques engraved in Latin, make me realize how very old the Pantheon, and Rome for that matter, really is.
And then there are the massive bronze doors.
And all the marble on the inside.
Delicious and intricate from floor to ceiling.
Cracks in the marble makes you wonder how long it has been that way. Is the earth shifting?
Even the fountain in front on the square is a photo-op all its own (more to come on the fountain).
But, perhaps my most favorite, and certainly unique thing about the Pantheon is the oculus.
The giant gaping hole in the top of the roof that lets snow, rain or beams of sunshine gush right onto the marble floor below.
Thank goodness it was bright sunshine the day we visited!
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June 1st, 2009
this IS my favorite in Rome
Love the sunbeams…beautiful
June 1st, 2009
Thanks Erin. I thought of you when I took the shots. I remember that oculus shot you took and sent in for Travel Photo Friday!! Can’t get enough of that building, I swear!!
June 1st, 2009
Beautiful! I especially love those last 2 photos. I just learned a lot about the Pantheon I didn’t know. Do they regularly check the structural integrity? Those cracks are pretty massive.
June 1st, 2009
This post was terrific- Its really hard for me to pick a favorite!I really dont think I could.
Your post gave me the chills.
I want to be there so badly!
Thanks…
June 1st, 2009
An Susan, it is so massive, you totally get chills when standing there too
June 1st, 2009
Thanks Gray!! That is a good question. One, I unfortunately don’t have the answer too. I would imagine they do, becuase I always see scaffolding around buildings in Rome, suggesting that they work on them.
I hope!
June 1st, 2009
I have never been to Rome so not sure, but if I went I am sure this would be a favourite of mine, I love curved walls, and how the light shines in
June 1st, 2009
Well, I am sure you would love it, Anne, since you love curved walls :)
June 1st, 2009
I love this building. I think it is beyond cool to stand in a building with M. Agrippa carved into it and then look across the square to see a McDonald’s.
June 1st, 2009
Ha! Yes, years and years difference- modern vs. ancient. Wonder what Cesar would order at a Mickey D’s?
June 2nd, 2009
The Pantheon would have to be one of my favourite Roman buildings despite being shat on by a pidgeon while standing on that very same portico that you sort refuge on! Its sheers size, brilliance and ingenuity with regard to the occulus & gutter system is absolutely amazing!
June 2nd, 2009
The Pantheon is my favorite for the all the reasons you mentioned.
My bank is near there and every time I go I have to run into the Pantheon. I never get sick of look at it.
June 2nd, 2009
But, didn’t you know that in Italian – that pigeon shat is good luck
June 2nd, 2009
Oh, you lucky girl you
June 3rd, 2009
One of my favorites as well… but I HATE the McDonald’s that Michelle mentioned. It’s an absolute disgrace… did I mention that I don’t like the McDonald’s?? haha! Great photos Robin!
June 3rd, 2009
Joe, I like McDonalds for their clean, free bathrooms when traveling. Other than that, can’t think of another reason to go
June 11th, 2009
I just love this leisurely look at the Pantheon. Strange how it keeps its dignity all crowded in by those later buildings.
June 11th, 2009
Interesting comment. I had never really thought of it that way before, but yes, you are right. I love it just jumps out of nowhere at you!
August 19th, 2011
The Occulus with any kind of precipitation coming through it is sublime.
I’ve yet to experience that, Lee. Hopefully one day…
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