The pantheon is a huge building that gives you a feeling of grandeur even though it is surrounded by shops on all sides and is fairly hidden. Just entering was overwhelming with two tombs to Italian monarchs on the left and right.
The thing that struck me was how unlike other roman monuments, the pantheon never became a ruin and that with its huge dome, hadn't required major repair for over 1,800 years. Up above the great oculus of the pantheon concentrated the focus of the people there. Seeing light enter through such a perfect circle felt like it was meant to invoke something holy, even though the actual usage of the pantheon was unknown. Overall the whole building, its structural integrity, and the fact that it is a church amazed me.
It is such an amazing place...hope you had a good look at the doors - what about those monolithic columns out front? Can't believe you guys are in shorts - must be warm! Raining here...
ReplyDeleteLove reading your impressions,
JR
This is one of my favorites in Rome! I see many of you seem to have found some treasures in the nearby shops! Thank you, again, for all of the posts. We so enjoy reading them!
ReplyDeleteTerri