The oculus in the dome.
The outside of the Pantheon.
The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian in 120 A.D. It looks like a pretty typical temple from the outside, but wait until you get inside!
The Pantheon's interior.
The base of the dome is 23 feet thick and made from heavy concrete (the Romans invented concrete) mixed with travertine. Near the top it's less than 5 feet thick and made with pumice mixed in.
At the top the 'oculus', or eye-in-the-sky, is the building's only light source and is almost 30 feet across.
The 1,800 year old floor has holes in it and slants towards the edges to let the rain water drain.
Hands down, my favourite building in Rome.
Nancy, your blog has been an inspiration and a joy to follow. It has truly been a highlight of my summer, to follow you around Europe from my little home in Brackendale, to remember that there is so much to see and do and experience in the world, if only one has the courage and determination to step out and explore! Thank you, my friend. See you soon.
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