Interior Space of the Pantheon The Pantheon has been called a “perfect” space because the diameter of the rotunda is equal to that of its height (43m, 142ft). The purpose of this space was to suggest geometrical perfection and symmetry in the context of a perfect universe. The interior space could fit perfectly either in a cube or in a sphere.
Full Answer
What is the purpose of the interior of the Pantheon?
Interior Space of the Pantheon. The Pantheon has been called a “perfect” space because the diameter of the rotunda is equal to that of its height (43m, 142ft). The purpose of this space was to suggest geometrical perfection and symmetry in the context of a perfect universe.
Why is the Pantheon the best building in Rome?
Then, in A.D. 126, Roman Emperor Hadrian completely rebuilt the Pantheon into the Roman architectural icon we know today. Having survived many centuries of wars, the Pantheon remains the best-preserved building in Rome. The Roman Pantheon was originally built as a temple for all the gods.
Why is the pantheon called the perfect space?
During his reign, an increasing number of Roman subjects either didn’t worship Roman gods or worshiped them under other names, so this move made good political sense, too. The Pantheon has been called a “perfect” space because the diameter of the rotunda is equal to that of its height (43m, 142ft).
Why does the pantheon have a hole at the top?
From above, the Pantheon's 19-foot oculus, the hole at the top of the dome, is an obvious opening to the elements. It allows sunlight into the temple room below it, but also allows rain to the interior, which is why the marble floor below curves outward to drain the water.
Why is the Pantheon a significant place?
Its importance lies in the fact that it is the best preserved monument from ancient Rome. Throughout its history, the Pantheon's innovative combination of both Greek and Roman style has been admired by many. In fact, the Pantheon has served as inspiration for many replicas throughout Europe.
Why was the Pantheon built and what is its architectural significance?
The Roman Pantheon was originally built as a temple for all the gods. Pan is Greek for "all" or "every" and theos is Greek for "god" (e.g., theology). Pantheism is a doctrine or religion that worships all gods.
Did the Pantheon have interior space?
After passing through the portico and the huge bronze doors, you enter into the Rotunda. Rich colors swirl around the massive space: Phyrgian purple, Numidian yellow, grey granite, and red porphyry create the walls, pavement, and decorative features of the Pantheon's interior.
What are key aspects about the interior of the Pantheon?
The Romans exploited structural innovations and materiality to create vast interior spaces. At the Pantheon, the interior cella walls are the same as the exterior walls of the building, creating a vast open interior space with a massive dome floating above.
What is special about the Pantheon?
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. The structure, completed around 126-128 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, features a rotunda with a massive domed ceiling that was the largest of its kind when it was built.
What is the major architectural feature of the Pantheon?
Like most Roman temples, it has a large open porch with columns outside the main entrance, called a portico. The most amazing feature of the Pantheon, however, is the domed roof, the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. At the center of this dome is an oculus, a circular hole that lets in natural light.
What is unique about the dome of the Pantheon?
The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with its famous hole in the top (The eye of the Pantheon, or oculus). The dome was the largest in the world for 1300 years and to present remains the largest unsupported dome in the world. Its diameter is 43.30 meters (or 142 ft.)
Why does the Pantheon have a dome?
The dome of the Pantheon is the most remarkable part of a remarkable building. With an internal diameter of 43.44 meters, almost half the length of a football field, it is the largest dome ever built in masonry or unreinforced concrete....The Dome.Diameter43.40 metersMinimum thickness (at the top)1.40 meters3 more rows
What is inside the Pantheon in Rome?
The Pantheon inside : tombs and chapels. Three of them are tombs : one the final resting place of the great artist Raphael, the other two are Kings of the unified Italy, including Vittorio Emanuele, known as the 'Father of the Nation', whose tomb is often guarded by a volunteer.
What technology made the large open space of the Pantheon possible?
The concrete easily allowed for spaces to be carved out of the wall's thickness—for instance, the alcoves around the rotunda's perimeter and the large apse directly across from the entrance (where Hadrian would have sat to hold court).
What is the function of the Pantheon?
MuseumPantheon / FunctionA museum is a building or institution that cares for and displays a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. Many public museums make these items available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Wikipedia
When constructed the Pantheon in Rome was the largest spanning dome to ever be constructed It was primarily constructed out of?
The Pantheon's dome, the largest and most famous example, was built of concrete in the 2nd century and may have served as an audience hall for Hadrian.
Why is the Pantheon called a perfect space?
The Pantheon has been called a “perfect” space because the diameter of the rotunda is equal to that of its height (43m, 142ft). The purpose of this space was to suggest geometrical perfection and symmetry in the context of a perfect universe. The interior space could fit perfectly either in a cube or in a sphere. The massive interior room is designed to symbolize the heavens; the oculus or Great Eye in the room is designed to symbolize the light- and life-giving sun.
Why is the Pantheon still used today?
One reason why the Pantheon has survived in such remarkable shape while other structures are gone may be the fact that Pope Boniface IVI consecrated it as a church dedicated to Mary and the Martyr Saints in 609. This is the official name which it continues to bear today and masses are still celebrated here. The Pantheon has also been used as a tomb: among those buried here are the painter Raphael, the first two kings, and first queen of Italy. Monarchists maintain a vigil at these latter tombs.
How big is the Oculus in the Pantheon?
Oculus of the Pantheon. The central point of the Pantheon is far above visitors’ heads: the great eye, or oculus, in the room. It looks small, but it’s 27ft across and the source of all light in the building — symbolic of how the sun is the source of all light on earth.
How did the Pantheon affect religion?
It’s also possible that the Pantheon has had an impact on Western religion: the Pantheon appears to be the first temple built with general public access in mind. Temples of the ancient world were generally limited only to specific priests; the public may have taken part in religious rituals in some fashion, but mostly as observers and outside the temple. The Pantheon, however, existed for all the people — a feature which is now standard for houses of worship in all religions of the West.
What does the name of the Pantheon mean?
Inside, the Pantheon is among the most impressive in existence. Its inscription, M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIUM·FECIT, means Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this.
What is the largest dome in the world?
The Pantheon’s dome is the largest surviving dome from antiquity; it was also the largest dome in the world until Brunelleschi’s dome on the Duomo of Florence was completed in 1436.
What did Hadrian write about the Pantheon?
Hadrian wrote about the Pantheon: “My intentions had been that this sanctuary of All Gods should reproduce the likeness of the terrestrial globe and of the stellar sphere...The cupola...revealed the sky through a great hole at the center, showing alternately dark and blue. This temple, both open and mysteriously enclosed, was conceived as a solar quadrant. The hours would make their round on that caisson ceiling so carefully polished by Greek artisans; the disk of daylight would rest suspended there like a shield of gold; rain would form its clear pool on the pavement below, prayers would rise like smoke toward that void where we place the gods.”
Why should you know about the Pantheon in Rome?
Why should you know about the Pantheon in Rome? This one building from the 2nd century continues to influence the built environment and the architecture we use even today. Famous buildings modeled after the Pantheon in Rome include the U.S. Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, and the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Where is the Pantheon located?
The Pantheon in Rome, Italy should not be confused with the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Although both were originally temples to gods, the Greek Parthenon temple, atop the Acropolis, was built hundreds of years before the Roman Pantheon temple.
What is the largest dome in the world?
With a diameter that measures 43.4 meters, the dome of the Roman Pantheon ranks as the world's largest dome made of unreinforced solid concrete.
What is the dome called in the Pantheon?
But it is the Pantheon's dome — complete with an open hole at the top, called an oculus —that has made this building the important architecture it is today. The geometry of the dome and the oculus sunlight moving throughout the interior walls have inspired authors, filmmakers, and architects.
What is the Pantheon portico?
The Pantheon portico or entryway is a symmetrical, classical design with three rows of Corinthian columns —eight in the front and two rows of four — topped by a triangular pediment. The granite and marble columns were imported from Egypt, a land that was part of the Roman Empire.
How thick was the Pantheon?
125 the skilled builders of Rome applied advanced engineering to the Greek classical orders. They gave their Pantheon massive 25-foot thick walls to support a huge dome made of solid concrete.
How many times was the Temple of All the Gods rebuilt?
Twice destroyed and twice rebuilt, Rome's famous "Temple of All the Gods" began as a rectangular structure. Over the course of a century, this original Pantheon evolved into a domed building, so famous that it has been inspiring architects since before the Middle Ages .
When was the Pantheon built?
In Panini's day, as in our own, the Pantheon was one of the great tourist attractions of Rome. Built under Hadrian in the 2nd century, this monumental domed temple has survived intact, owing to its consecration as a Christian church—Santa Maria Rotunda—in AD 609.
What did Panini reveal in the dome?
Through the oculus in the center of the dome, Panini revealed the bright blue sky flecked with clouds. As Canaletto was to Venice, so Panini was to Rome.
How did Panini manipulate the perspective?
Trained in architecture and theatrical design, Panini manipulated the perspective to show a larger view of the interior than is actually possible from any single place. The viewpoint is deep within the building, facing the entrance. The portals open to the colossal columns of the porch and a glimpse of the obelisk in the piazza before the church. Through the oculus in the center of the dome, Panini revealed the bright blue sky flecked with clouds.
What is the architectural Capriccio of the Roman Forum?
An Architectural Capriccio of the Roman Forum with Philosophers and Soldiers among Ancient Ruins, including the Arch of Janus Quadrifrons, the Sarcophagus of Santa Constanza, the Farnese Hercules and the Cincinnatus. Depicts same location.
Why is the Pantheon unknown?
Due to a lack of written records, many unknowns surround the present-day Pantheon, including who designed it and how long its construction took.
Who built the Pantheon?
by statesman Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of the first Roman emperor, Augustus.
What is the Pantheon made of?
Made primarily from bricks and concrete, the Pantheon consists of three sections: a portico with granite columns, a massive domed rotunda and a rectangular area connecting the other two sections. Measuring 142 feet in diameter, the domed ceiling was the largest of its kind when it was built.
When was the Pantheon built?
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. The structure, completed around 126-128 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, features a rotunda with a massive domed ceiling that was the largest of its kind when it was built. The Pantheon is situated on the site of an earlier structure of the same name, built around 25 B.C.
When did the Pantheon become a Christian church?
The Pantheon’s long decline continued. Then, in 609 , Pope Boniface IV got permission from Byzantine emperor Phocas to convert the Pantheon into a Christian church, known as in Latin as Sancta Maria ad Martyres (St. Mary and the Martyrs). It was the first Roman pagan temple to be consecrated as a Christian church.
When was the Pantheon destroyed?
The original Pantheon was destroyed in a fire around 80 A.D. It was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, only to be burned down again in 110 A.D. Hadrian became emperor in 117, a time when the Roman Empire included much of present-day Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East and northern Africa.
Who put Agrippa's inscription on the Pantheon?
It’s uncertain why, but Hadrian put Agrippa’s original inscription on the new Pantheon—“Marcus Agrippa the son of Lucius, three times consul, made this”—which led to centuries of years of confusion about its origins. No one knows the original purpose of the present-day Pantheon, but Hadrian sometimes held court there.
What is the Pantheon?
Introduction. The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most iconic and best preserved ancient structures. With massive single stone columns holding up the portico at the entrance, the immense open interior space created by the cylindrical rotunda, and of course, the characteristic concrete dome and open oculus to top it off, ...
Who built the Pantheon?
He was in fact, rebuilding a church on the same site that the first two Pantheons where previously built upon. The first version, built by Emperor Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, was said to have been a T-shaped building, constructed around 27 BC and burned down in the fire of the year 80. Rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, the second Pantheon was struck by lightning and burned down again in the year 110 (Parker, 2009). When Hadrian set out to rebuild the Pantheon again seven years later, the resulting plan included the ambitious 43 meter diameter dome.
What is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world?
To put it in perspective, the Pantheon is still the largest diameter unreinforced concrete dome in the world, meaning there is no reinforcing structure in or around the concrete, such as the rebar that would be used today. Still, after nearly 2000 years, it holds that record.
How often does the Pantheon change?
The tallest building in the world changes about every 10 to 20 years, but the Pantheon has held its record for nearly 2000 years. That alone is a testament to the quality of the Roman engineering techniques that went into creating the Pantheon.
Is the Pantheon the first version of the Pantheon?
However, the Pantheon as you see it today is not the Pantheon as it was when it was first built. Nor is it the first version of the Pantheon at that location. The Pantheon you see today is the third rendition of the “church of every god” that had been adapted and modified through the centuries. This is just one example of a piece ...
What is the interior of the Pantheon?
In the interior of the Pantheon, the lines of Greek architecture have been maintained , combined with the characteristic elements of Roman construction, such as the vaults. Externally, the building is a smooth and rounded wall, a huge cylinder crowned by a dome.
What was the main facade of the Pantheon?
In the Pantheon built under Hadrian’s mandate, the orientation was changed with the respect to the previous Pantheon, as it was decided to put the main façade facing North. The building remained comprised of a colonnade in the style of a pronaos, a large, round cella with an intermediate prismatic structure.
What is the difference between the rotunda and the pronaos?
The large pronaos and the structure that joins the cella entirely occupy the space of the previous temple, while the rotunda rises above the space of Piazza Augustea which separated the original Pantheon from the Temple of Neptuno. The intermediate body connects the pronaos with the cella and is formed of two large pillars which flank the entranceway to the rotunda, which is the extension of the central nave of the pronaos. Between the pillars and the cella, there are two access stairways to the upper part of the dome.
How many niches are there in the Pantheon?
It’s main structure has a circular floorplan, crowned by a dome 43.2 metres in diameter and preceded by a rectangular portico. It has seven niches or circular vaults (apses) dedicated to different deities.
What is the Pantheon?
The building was envisaged to unite man with divinity, but above all with the emperor, proclaimed as God in the eyes of the populace. The proportions and structure of the Pantheon are representative of this Roman religious conception; the residence of the gods and the centralisation of the wide variety of cults during the Roman era. An architecture of synthesis between the ground and the sky, “as above is below- as below is above”.
What is the architecture of synthesis between the ground and the sky?
An architecture of synthesis between the ground and the sky, “as above is below- as below is above”. For this reason, the building has a circular floorplan closed by a dome. The circular hall was a perfect sphere, representing the cosmogonic conception of Aristotle.
How big is the rotunda?
The cylinder has a height equal to its radius, so that an entire sphere can be traced within the interior space. The diameter of the dome is 43.2 metres, which became the largest in history, that in Saint Peter’s in the Vatican being slightly smaller.
Origin of The Pantheon in Rome
Architecture of The Pantheon
- The identity of the architect behind the Pantheon is unknown, but most scholars attribute it to Apollodorus of Damascus. The parts of Hadrian’s Pantheon are a columned porch (8 massive granite Corinthian columns in front, two groups of four behind), an intermediate area of brick, and finally the monumental dome. The Pantheon’s dome is the largest surviving dome from antiquity…
The Pantheon and Roman Religion
- Hadrian seems to have intended his rebuilt Pantheon to be a sort of ecumenical temple where people could worship any and all gods they wished, not just local Roman gods. This would have been keeping with Hadrian’s character — a widely traveled emperor, Hadrain admired Greek culture and respected other religions. During his reign, an increasing number of Roman subjects …
Interior Space of The Pantheon
- The Pantheon has been called a “perfect” space because the diameter of the rotunda is equal to that of its height (43m, 142ft). The purpose of this space was to suggest geometrical perfection and symmetry in the context of a perfect universe. The interior space could fit perfectly either in a cube or in a sphere. The massive interior room is design...
Oculus of The Pantheon
- The central point of the Pantheon is far above visitors’ heads: the great eye, or oculus, in the room. It looks small, but it’s 27ft across and the source of all light in the building — symbolic of how the sun is the source of all light on earth. The rain that comes through collects in a drain in the center of the floor; the stone and moisture keep the interior cool through the summer. Every year, on Ju…
Construction of The Pantheon
- How the dome has been able to bear its own weight has been a matter of great debate — if such a structure were built today with unreinforced concrete, it would quickly collapse. The Pantheon, though, has stood for centuries. No agreed-upon answers to this mystery exist, but speculation includes both an unknown formulation for the concrete as well as spending a lot of time tampin…
Changes in The Pantheon
- Some lament the architectural incoherence in the Pantheon. We see, for example, a Greek-style colonnade on the front with a Roman-style interior space. What we see, however, is not how the Pantheon was originally constructed. One of the most significant changes was the addition of two bell towers by Bernini. Called “asses’ ears” by Romans, they were removed in 1883. In a further a…
Pantheon as A Christian Church
- One reason why the Pantheon has survived in such remarkable shape while other structures are gone may be the fact that Pope Boniface IVI consecrated it as a church dedicated to Mary and the Martyr Saints in 609. This is the official name which it continues to bear today and masses are still celebrated here. The Pantheon has also been used as a tomb: among those buried here are …
Influence of The Pantheon
- As one of the best-surviving structures from ancient Rome, the influence of the Pantheon on modern architecture almost cannot be underestimated. Architects from all over Europe and America from the Renaissance through the 19th century studied it and incorporated what they learned into their own work. Echoes of the Pantheon can be found in numerous public structures…
Origins
from Pagan Temple to Christian Church
- In 330, the capital of the Roman Empire was transferred from Rome to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey) by Emperor Constantine. Afterward, the Pantheon fell into a long period of disrepair. In 476, the German warrior Odoacer conquered the western half of the Roman Empire, where Rome was situated. The Pantheon’s long decline continued. Then, in 609, Pope Boniface I…
Pantheon Dome
- Made primarily from bricks and concrete, the Pantheon consists of three sections: a portico with granite columns, a massive domed rotunda and a rectangular area connecting the other two sections. Measuring 142 feet in diameter, the domed ceiling was the largest of its kind when it was built. At to the top of the dome sits an opening, or oculus, 27 ...
The Pantheon Today
- Following the Pantheon’s conversion into a Christian church, it eventually became the burial place for Renaissance figures including painter Raphael, composer Arcangelo Corelli and architect Baldassare Peruzzi. Several monarchs are buried there too, including Vittorio Emanuele II, who died in 1878 and was the first king of Italy since the 6th century; his son, Umberto I, who was ass…
Sources
- Hadrian: life and legacy. The British Museum Interior of the Pantheon, Rome (painting). National Gallery of Art. The Pantheon William L. MacDonald. Harvard University Press