THE PANTHEON

History
The Pantheon, as it can be admired today, thanks its appearance to the Emperor Hadrian. Under his rule it was built in the period from 118 – 125 AD, replacing an earlier temple on the same place. This temple was built in 27 bC by Marcus Agrippa, who was the son-in-law of the first Roman emperor, Augustus. The inscription in the building’s façade reminds of this, where it says Marcus Agrippa LF COS TERTIUM FECIT, meaning ‘Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, during his third consulate, made this’. Though the building of Agrippa had been largely destroyed during a fire in 80 AD, the original text of the inscription was added to the new façade.

The monument was built as a temple to all the - pagan - gods of the Romans, but was reconsecrated as a Catholic church by Pope Beniface IV in 609 AD and dedicated to Mary and all the Martyr Saints. This is a name it still retains today.

The ground level of the building is lower than the surrounding structures, but in Roman times one had to climb a few steps to get to the entrance. This is due to the fact that throughout the centuries new buildings were constructed on the ruins of old ones, which raised the general street level of the city. For this reason, the entrance of the Pantheon is now somewhat lower than the Piazza della Rotonda in front of it.

Interior
The interior of the Pantheon is stunning, as the dome looks even bigger than from the outside. The only source of light comes from the Great Eye, or oculus, in the centre of the cupola. The lower part of the building is decorated with different coulored marbles. The first niche on the right side contains the most famous piece of art of the Pantheon: the painting of the Annunciazione by Melozzo da Forlì. Other niches house the tomb of the first king of 19th century unified Italy, Vittorio Emmanuele II, and that of one of Italy`s most famous renaissance painters, Rafaël.

Tazza d'Oro
Do not forget to drink a coffee at one of Rome's most famous coffee bars, Tazza d'Oro. This bar, more than fifty years old, is located in a little alley on the east side of the square, just behind the Abruzzi hotel. Only the best coffee beans are freshly roasted here and used for almost divine espresso and cappuccino. A specialty is the granita di caffè, which consists of strong coffee syrup with crushed ice and topped off with fresh whipped cream. A delight on a warm Roman afternoon!