Pantheon

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple located in Rome, Italy. Originally built by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD), it was later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD. The Pantheon is renowned for its large dome, which remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome to this day.

History

The Pantheon was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome, and it was completed by the emperor Hadrian. Over the centuries, it has been used as a Roman Catholic church, dedicated to "St. Mary and the Martyrs" but informally known as "Santa Maria Rotonda."

Architecture

The structure is cylindrical with a portico of large granite Corinthian columns under a pediment. A rectangular vestibule links the porch to the rotunda, which is beneath a coffered concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 meters (142 ft).

Cultural Significance

The Pantheon is widely praised for its feats of architecture and concept of space. It has been in continuous use throughout its history and, since the 7th century, has been used as a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. It is one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings and has been enormously influential in the development of Western architecture.

Preservation

The Pantheon is owned by the Italian government, and it is a major tourist attraction and a popular place for weddings. It is also still used for Catholic liturgical functions.

In Popular Culture

The Pantheon has appeared in numerous films and writings, reflecting its status as an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of the Roman Empire's legacy.

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