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 its beauty on display when peering down the side streets.
There is 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, the square on which the Pantheon sits.
Even the details like the ornate marble plaques engraved in Latin, are a testament to how very old the Pantheon, and Rome for that matter, really is.
And then there are the massive bronze doors.
And all that expensive marble on the inside.
Intricate designs from floor to ceiling.
Cracks in the marble makes you wonder – is the earth shifting?
Even the fountain in front on the square is a photo-op all its own.
But, perhaps my most favorite, and certainly most unusual 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. I felt lucky to have visited on such a sunny day to witness the light streaming in.
When you’re done admiring this historic work of art, head over to one of my favorite cafes in Rome for a decadent cold espresso treat.
Thinking of traveling to Rome to explore its history? Click here to see how I can help!
