Travel Rome: The Pantheon

Before you take off traveling to Rome, let's get a few travel necessities taken care of - namely, Roman history.

The pantheon is one of the most recognized, and oldest monuments still standing in Rome. Originally built as a temple to all of the Roman gods, the Pantheon (originally built around 27 BC) was torn down and rebuilt by emperor Hadrian around 120 AD. That structure is the same as the one you will see when you visit today. The Pantheon is the oldest intact structure still standing from the Greco-Roman world, and has been used completely throughout history.

The building is a complete circle, with an opening in the ceiling that looks out onto the sky above. The opening is meant to symbolize the eye of heaven looking down over the temple, and being "all-seeing" to the world below. There are three different levels of granite columns, and bronze doors that have remained in the pantheon for over 1,800 years. The height of the dome is exactly equal to the diameter of the circular interior of the building. It's amazing to think back under what conditions the pantheon was originally built under, and then see what the early Romans were able to create.

Visiting the pantheon can be a truly awe-inspiring look back at history. It's amazing to stand in the middle of the structure and look up into the sky, standing the same place and in the same structure that people have visited for thousands of years. It's amazing to think that the same structure that was built before the time of chainsaw and machinery has remained not only intact, but also in such pristine conditions over all of these years.

If you are visiting Italy, especially Rome, then visiting the Pantheon is something that you really must do. The pantheon is a tourist attraction that pulls in people from around the world and is something that everyone who visits Rome usually goes to see…but there is a good reason why. You will undoubtedly run into a good deal of tourists when you make your trek, so come prepared to deal with the crowds.

Visiting the pantheon is free to the pubic, and the pantheon welcomes tour groups of all shapes and sizes. There are several different tour options available in several different languages, so everyone should be able to enjoy a trip.

It is also located near the Piazza della Rotonda, a square that is filled with a variety of restaurants and shops. Visiting the Piazza della Rotonda, and the pantheon can make for a fantastic summer afternoon. Visit the pantheon in the morning and spend your afternoon shopping and dining in the square.

Their general working hours are: Mon-Saturday 9-7:30 and Sunday 9-5:30. It is closed Christmas day. New years day, and may 1st.

Now you're ready to travel to Rome in style - with a head full of Roman history.