The Pantheon and its enormous dome in 90 seconds

The Pantheon was a temple dedicated to the seven main deities – the etymology of the word in fact means “of all the Gods” – and it was founded in 27 BC by Marco Vespasiano Agrippa, although some sources state that Hadrian had to rebuild it around AD 126. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV turned it into a basilica and named it “Santa Maria della rotonda”, due to its circular shape. It houses the remains of Raphael and is the oldest building in Rome to have withstood the tests of time, also thanks to the architectural knowledge of symmetry and harmony which ensured that the diameter of the dome was equal to the height of the structure. The dome, which has never been restored, is made of concrete and is the largest in the world. In the centre of it there is “the Oculus”, with a diameter of 8.2 m, which is the only source of light. Despite the opening, the interior remains dry even when it rains heavily, thanks to the sloping floor and drainage system below. There is still one mystery behind the floor with exquisite marble inlays: although it is assumed that the material it is made of comes from Egyptian, Greek or Turkish quarries, these have never been found. All of the imposing bronze doors are also the original ones, each weighing 20 tonnes. Outside the entrance there is the legendary “Pillar of Woes”, or “Column of Matidia”. Touching it is said to bring good luck and heal physical ailments. Give it a go!