Italy is a beautiful country that boasts many historic cities and sites. Rome is infamous for its architecture and history. The Pantheon is one of the top sites to visit when in Rome. It is a structure built for the gods, literally. It was an ancient temple that still stands today. In order to see this structure one needs to make sure their passport is in order or apply for a new U S passport so that travel to Rome possible.
Passports
Passports allow you to travel internationally. They act as a travel permit. They are fairly easy to obtain now as most services can be conducted online. Before applying for your child passports, double check all requirements and make sure you all your necessary documentation. This will allow for a smooth application process.
History
The Pantheon was constructed around 27 B.C.E., construction continued until 25 B.C.E. It was commissioned to honor the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra by Actium. The original building burned around 80 C.E., it was then rebuilt in 125 C.E. by the emperor Hadrian. It was built as a fully functional temple and remained that way for over two centuries.
Structure
The architecture of the Pantheon was very unique at the time of its construction. It was built as a rotund building with the only light entering from an opening at the center of the building. This opening was known as the oculus. When the Pantheon was used as a temple it housed the statues of various deities and the altar also featured animal sacrifices. The smoke from the burned animals ascended through the oculus and directly to the gods.
Christianity
When Rome was taken over by Christianity the Pantheon was then abandoned. While Christianity ruled it was illegal for any public pagan worship to go on. Later there was a decree that stated all buildings have a purpose. Eventually the Pantheon because a consecrated Christian church. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the host of martyrs and saints in the Catholic Church. It was called the Church of Santa Maria Ad Martyers.
Michelangelo
The Pantheon went through many changes from function to the actual building itself. It was looted many times and stripped of its goods, including Bronze. In the early 16th century Michelangelo studied the Pantheon for inspiration. The Pantheon’s inspiration lead to the dome of St. Peter at the Vatican which is only two feet smaller than that of the Pantheon.
Inspiration
The Pantheon is one of the most frequented sites in Rome and has been featured in many documentaries and books. In 1980 it was declared a World Heritage site. The structure of the Pantheon has been the inspiration for a lot of modern buildings. Building such as; 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.