The Stunning Pantheon Of Rome

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 documents that allow one to travel internationally. Anyone attempting international travel must have a passport in order to do so. Obtaining a passport used to be difficult, today with new technology and services it is a cinch. Before applying for it make sure you have all necessary documents including a travel visa if needed. This will ensure a smooth passport application process and allow for a timely delivery.

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.

Building

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

Once Christianity replaced paganism in Rome the Pantheon was abandoned. It was illegal to perform public pagan worship at the time, so it had no use. Later it was consecrated as a Christian church; it was the first pagan temple in Rome to be Christianized. This occurred in 609 C.E. by Pope Boniface IV. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and saints and was named the church of Santa Maria Ad Martyres. The all encompassing of the martyrs continued the “pan” use of the structure.

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 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.

Rome is a destination spot due to its vast history and culture. It’s a city that features many historic sites including the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and of course the Pantheon. It is important that these sites be acknowledged and protected. Few people know that the Pantheon is actually a consecrated Catholic Church nor know the all whole history of the Pantheon. To experience the wonders that Rome make sure all your passport needs are in order including an application for a new United States passport if needed, and don’t forget to apply for U.S. child passports for your children so they can experience the history of Rome.