Sunday, June 2, 2024

The Pantheon

 The Pantheon, Rome Italy

The Pantheon is the oldest building in the world that is still in use today.  It was built in 125 A.D.  Pantheon means "All Gods."  The oculus - the opening in the dome of the Pantheon - is 30 feet across.  The sun shines in through this "eye" and the rain comes in too - that's why there's drains built into the floor.  I have been there when it's raining and they just gate off the wet area and allow the water to drain.  It has been a Catholic church since 609 AD.  Admittance used to be free and without appointment, but in recent years they have required you to pay 5 euros and make a reservation.  We arrived early for our reserved time and they let us in without question.


The Pantheon was a site for the movie "Angels and Demons" starring Tom Hanks.  A clip of that portion of the movie is here:


The Pantheon in 2024

The Fontana del Pantheon - it was built in 1575 AD and stands in front of the Pantheon

the oculus of the Pantheon

inside the Pantheon



the drain in the floor at the Pantheon



The Pantheon










Fontana del Pantheon












Our visit to the Pantheon in 2025











The drain in the floor for when it rains through the oculus



























The Obelisk of Macuteo, in the fountain at the Pantheon



Motorcycle parking near the Pantheon
The google maps location is here:  Pantheon


Next to the Pantheon, at 24 Via Della Rotonda is where the little cafe from Roman Holiday was located.


Now it's a clothing store


Places to eat near the Pantheon:

Giolitti is a famous gelato shop because Audrey Hepburn ate there while she was filming Roman Holiday.  My daughter and I tried it out in 2025 when we visited Rome, and the gelato is very delicious!  It is only a few minutes' walk from the Pantheon.








The google maps location is here: Giolitti

We had an hour or so before our Pantheon ticket entrance, so we grabbed some dinner at a place nearby called Pummarola.  It is only a few minutes' walk from the Pantheon.  The food was delicious, especially their gnocchi.








The google maps location is here:  Pummarola Ristorante Pizzeria

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