The Spectacular Pantheon   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2012-02-14)

Italy is a popular destination when it comes to tourism. One of the most common cities to visit when in Italy is Rome. Rome is notorious for its architecture and background. Sites of Italy include the Coliseum, the Trevi fountain, and the ancient Pantheon. An ancient temple dedicated to the pagan gods of Roman. To view this awe inspiring structure a trip to Rome is necessary. Be sure to get your passport in order or obtain a new passport in order to travel to Rome without any problems.

Passports

Passports are necessary travel documents. They allow travel between countries. Anyone who wishes to travel out of the country must have a passport. Getting a passport used to be difficult, now with online services and technology it's much easier. Obtaining all the proper documentation is necessary before applying for a passport. You can also enlist the services of a passport agency to help you get your U.S. child passports on time.

History

The Pantheon of Rome was between 27 B.C.E. and 25 B.C.E. it was built in honor of the victory over Antony and Cleopatra who were defeated by Actium. The original Pantheon burned down around 80 C.E. It was then restored in 125 C.E. by the emperor Hadrian. It was built as a fully functional temple to the pagan gods of Rome. It maintained its function for over two centuries.

Structure

The structure of the Pantheon was unique for it's time. It was a circular building with the only light coming in from an opening in the ceiling at the center, known as the oculus. During it's time a temple various statues of deities filled the temple and animal sacrifices to the deities were performed in the center allowing the smoke to exit through the oculus.

Christianity

When Christianity took over Rome the Pantheon was abandoned. At the time it was illegal for any public worship of the pagan deities. However, later there was an order that decreed all buildings used. It eventually became a Christian Church. It was consecrated in the name of the Virgin Mary as the Church of Santa Maria Ad Martyers. It was dedicated to the saints and martyrs as well. This kept the theme of 'pan' going.

Michelangelo

The Pantheon has gone through many changes from it's functionality to its structure. It was looted numerous times and even stripped of its goods, like Bronze. Michelangelo in the 16th century studied the Pantheon for inspiration, this lead to the dome of St. Peter featured at the Vatican. The Dome is only two feet smaller in comparison to the Pantheon.

Inspiration

The Pantheon today is one of the most visited sites in Rome. It has been featured in popular books such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and Angels and Demons. It was deemed a World Heritage Site in 1980. The structure of the Pantheon has been the inspiration for many contemporary buildings. These buildings include the British Museum Reading Room, The Tomas Jefferson Rotunda at the University of Virginia, the Low Library at Columbia University and the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

About the Author

Rome is a wonderful place to visit with so many sites to see including the Coliseum and the Pantheon. It is important that these sites be remembered and celebrated for their history. Few people realize that the Pantheon was a temple to the ancient gods of Rome and was actually consecrated as a Catholic church. To experience these wonderful sites and many more that Rome has to offer a new US passport must be obtained. It is an educational site as well so be sure your children have their child pasports with them so they can enjoy the wonderful sites of Rome as well.