The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most visited attractions in Europe

Since the fall of Ancient Rome there are very few buildings, one of them is the temple of all gods. Since the construction of the Pantheon has undergone many reconstructions and transformation, but remains majestic and attracts tourists. The architecture and decoration of the building is characterized by elegant, minimalist and full of simplicity.

A Little history

The Pantheon in Rome was built in 126 BC. The temple is a tribute to the gods, which were believed in those days. The building was not the first that stood at this place: the Pantheon that survived to our times, was practically the same. In the year 609 the temple was consecrated by Christians and renamed the Church of Mary and Martyrs. The consecration was conducted on may 13, now this day is celebrated as All Saints Day. Later, in the eighth century, Pope Gregory III consecrated one of the chapels. It happened on 1 November, All Saints Day was moved to this date. Now all Catholics and Protestants celebrate this holiday on November 1.

Mausoleum

During the Renaissance, the Pantheon became a mausoleum. In this place wished to be buried many famous people are buried here and several well-known personalities:

• Raphael, great Italian painter and sculptor.
• Umberto I, second king of Italy of the Savoy dynasty, known in Russia as king Humbert.
• Victor Emmanuel II, king of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the first ruler of a unified Italy new time.

General description

The Pantheon in Rome has a height of 42 meters. The main building-spacious rotunda, topped with a spherical dome which diameter is 45 meters. In the middle of the roof is a hole with a diameter of 9 meters. Calls it “Eye of the Pantheon". The hole is of practical importance, serves as ventilation and as the light source. There is a legend connected with this hole: when the first mass, the evil spirits began to seek a way out and made a hole to get out of the temple.

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Visually, the dome is no pressure on visitors, but on the contrary, the impression that is festively decorated the sky. Inside the dome has numerous caissons (140 pieces). However, they are allowed not only to decorate the arches, but significantly reduce the weight of the structure. Because the dome is made of buff-brown and white marble. The weight of the structure is not less than 5 tons.

The entrance to the Temple of all Gods are 16 columns. They are made of Egyptian granite and marble. The building itself was built of limestone slabs, which are then faced with marble. Wall structure 6 metres in thickness, otherwise they would not have withstood the weight of the dome.

Originally, the dome was adorned with gilded bronze plates. However, the construction of the Roman Cathedral of St. Peter of the material for the inlay of the altar is not enough, and it was borrowed from the Pantheon. The inlay was removed and melted down. As a compensation for the architect of the Cathedral near the Pantheon in Rome established the two bell towers of the small size. The people they called "donkey ears". In the XIX century the bell tower was dismantled.

The unit is uneven. In the center a small hill with a slight slope to the edges. This was done specifically so that water does not accumulate inside. Under the floor there is still a drainage system, water which enters through the holes 22. So in the Pantheon in Rome is never damp.

The Structure has a rounded shape not because it is decided by the architect, but because this place once had a pool that was destroyed, but it was the Foundation. It became the basis for the construction of the sanctuary.

How to get to the Shrine

The Streets of Italy are very complicated and mostly narrow, but to find the Pantheon in Rome is quite simple. Moreover, modern technologies allow us not even to ask for help to people passing by, include Navigator on your smartphone and follow his directions. To do otherwise, to buy a map at the tourist Agency, which outlines all the attractions of the city, or follow the flow of people. In the city there are signs everywhere that will not get lost.

If you use the subway, you need to get to the station «Colosseo” and transfer to a bus on route 87, get off at the stop called "via Torre Argentina" and walk just 3 minutes down the street Torre Argentina.

Operation Mode

The Pantheon in Rome opens its doors to visitors at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 19.30. Sunday - shortened working day for 30 minutes, that is, doors close at 19:00. In the days when the country's public holidays, the temple is closed is January and 01 may, 25 Dec. Other holidays also reduced working hours - up to 13:00. The last visitors are let in 15 minutes before closing.

It is Recommended to arrive early when the temple opens, then people are much smaller than afternoon and evening. The entrance to the Pantheon is free.

Rules of conduct

As in any other Holy place, from tourists require adherence to a dress code. You can't let your legs above the knees and the shoulders were open. If you came unprepared, then near the entrance is the basket where there are scarves that you can turn around the waist and draped over his shoulders. Although, in the opinion of tourists, that no one was watching, especially since it is impossible, when in the temple a huge number of people. On the other hand, the Pantheon in Rome – it's still a sanctuary, so the exposed parts of the body are regarded as disrespectful to himself and the gods.

It is Impossible to bring in food and drinks, especially alcohol. Such behavior of the priests in the temple are negative and will make the remark. The phone is also recommended to disable, but you can take pictures, and it does not take money.

The walls of the temple on Saturdays is Catholic mass. It begins at 10:30 or at 17:00, with the exact schedule available on the information Board at the entrance.

Latest news

Increasingly, the media is leaking information that the entrance to the Pantheon in may 2018 will be paid and the ticket price is 2 euros. It will affect not only the parishioners who come to pray and attend mass. Also entry is prohibited for tourists during the religious ceremonies. Such decision the Italian authorities justify the fact that the Treasury is a huge load the contents of the Pantheon.