Pantheon

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The best preserved monument from ancient Rome, the Pantheon, was built between 25 and 27 BC as a temple dedicated to the twelve Gods. It is believed that the present building is a result of the radical reconstruction by emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD.

A key point of the Pantheon is its coffered concrete dome with a central opening to the sky (the oculus). Almost two thousand years after it was built and this is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43m and 44cm, creating a perfect sphere inside the Pantheon. Balance and stability are the principles followed by the ancient architects and in here they are summarized by the harmony of the lines and perfect calculation of the geometries of the masses.

The temple has been in continuous use throughout its history which explains its preservation. Since the 7th century, it has been a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs and is in operation today.

King Victor Emmanuel II, the Father of the Fatherland, and one of Italy's greatest rulers is buried here along with his son Umberto I, his successor.