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8 things you need to know before your visit to the Colosseum in Rome

The Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome: History and Fascinating Curiosities

The Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome remains, to this day, one of the architectural wonders of the world and a hallmark of ancient engineering. Its uniqueness and beauty continue to attract millions of visitors each year, and if you're considering stepping inside its walls, we want you to learn more about one of the most important monuments in the Eternal City.

Discover the history and curiosities of the Pantheon of Agrippa.

History and Curiosities of the Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome:

The Pantheon of Agrippa is not actually by Agrippa

M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT reads the inscription on the frieze of its portico, which means: "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this," but... did you know that this is not entirely accurate?

The original temple, constructed in 27 BC, was indeed built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. He was one of the most important Roman politicians, although he also devoted part of his work to improving, renovating, and constructing various infrastructures and buildings in the city.

Thus, the Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome was created under Agrippa’s supervision, but two fires, one in AD 80 and another in AD 110, necessitated the reconstruction of the building as we know it today.

However, the inscription on the portico was preserved, which is why we still call it the Pantheon of Agrippa. Moreover, it was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who refused to have his name inscribed on the buildings he commissioned.

It boasts the largest unreinforced concrete dome in history

The Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome holds centuries of history, and even today, it still features the largest unreinforced concrete dome in history. This means that the dome you’ll see when you purchase your ticket to visit the Pantheon in Rome has no steel framework inside.

This masterpiece has a diameter of 43.44 meters, which is also the maximum height of the dome. It is adorned with five rings of 28 coffers each, culminating in a perfect oculus, always open to the sky, with a diameter of 8.95 meters.

This oculus is not just a decorative element; it has a vital function that has helped the dome remain intact for centuries: it reduces weight. Roman architects and engineers left nothing to chance, as evidenced by this magnificent building.

What happens when it rains?

Now that you know the oculus of the Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome is always open, you might wonder what happens when it rains. Well… nothing happens! The monument remains open, as 22 small holes in the floor act as drains.

So don’t worry if rain is forecasted on the date of your visit to the Pantheon of Agrippa—you’ll still be able to enjoy it. Look for the small openings in the floor; these are responsible for draining any rainwater that may enter the building.

Just as the Pantheon of Rome welcomes rain, it can also receive snow or sunlight. The latter, at 12 noon on the summer solstice, shines perpendicularly through the oculus—a truly spectacular sight!

It is the resting place of illustrious figures

The Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome is the resting place of various notable figures from history, spanning different areas of culture and politics. However, we will highlight two tombs that particularly stand out.

One of them is that of the great Renaissance artist Raphael, creator of works such as The Transfiguration or The Marriage of the Virgin. He was a prominent figure and was invited to paint rooms in the Apostolic Palace, now known as the Raphael Rooms, which showcase masterpieces like The School of Athens.

Another remarkable tomb you can find in the Pantheon is that of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy after unification. He is considered the Father of the Nation, as inscribed on his tomb in the Pantheon.

It has been in use throughout its history

Last but not least, it’s worth noting that since its creation, the Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome has always been in use. While it was originally a temple dedicated to all gods, as its name suggests, it has been a church since the 7th century.

This Catholic church, still in use today, is known as the "Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs," and liturgies continue to be held there. One of the most anticipated days is Pentecost, when thousands of red rose petals fall through the oculus into the Pantheon, symbolizing the tongues of fire of the Holy Spirit.

Undoubtedly, this is a unique and beautiful moment, but regardless of the day, purchasing your tickets to the Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome is something you won’t regret. Remember to book your visit in advance and arrive at the designated place and time with enough time to prepare for this spectacular experience.


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