Peek into the history of Pantheon with your Audio Tour
Rome is a city rich in Roman history and well-known for its historical tourist destinations that offer opportunities to see the city and its culture at the same time. The Pantheon is nothing less than a wonder due to its timeless architectural beauty and its ability to provide a small but spectacular window into Rome's 2000-year history. The word "pantheon" means "all gods." It refers to the ancient Roman temple dedicated to the Greek gods, which was converted into a church in the year 609 AD. Discover the Pantheon's splendor and the intriguing history of ancient Rome with the Vox City audio guide.
Many people are still unaware of the entire background of the Pantheon, and historians have yet to determine if the structure's original purpose as a temple for gods was accomplished. The great site of Rome is well-known for being formerly embellished with gigantic representations of Greek gods that embody Roman religion. Roman general and consul Marcus Agrippa oversaw the construction of the Pantheon, designating him as the building's patron. Marcus Agrippa's previous pantheon was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian.
The Patheon is a masterpiece of masterpieces.
The word "Pantheon" is derived from the Greek language, which means "all gods." It is considered to be the oldest structure in the world, with the largest unsupported dome. The Pantheon was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Greek gods. According to tradition, the precise location where the Pantheon stands today is the same spot where the founder of Rome, Romulus, passed away and was taken to paradise.
The Pantheon, which measures 142 feet, towering from floor to oculus, and has staggering interior dimensions, is an authentic reminder of the mathematical acumen of the Romans. With the goal of averting future catastrophes while avoiding recreating historical events, the Pantheon's iconic large dome was built using limestone, volcanic ash, and concrete, resulting in it being invincible.
Every single thing in the Pantheon has an extensive heritage of Roman antiquity. The Pantheon is nothing less than an ancient Roman art gallery, offering a window into the rich culture and craftsmanship of the Roma kingdom with its oculus, portico, altars, chapels, and statues.
Inscription of the Pantheon
Marcus Agrippa, who served as consul three times, constructed it; hence, the succinct Latin inscription reads, "M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT." "Marcus Agrippa, the son of Lucius, three times consul, constructed this," is how it is translated into English. Nevertheless, the inscription is illogical given the Pantheon's history. For more detail, consult your Vox City audio guide about the Pantheon instead of taking the Latin text on the monument seriously when you see it in Rome's Piazza della Rotonda street.
Get to know more about the inscription on your journey of the Pantheon audio tour and experience the majesty of the historic site with the Pantheon audio guide of VoxCity.
The portico of the Pantheon
The Pantheon's entrance, known as the portico, has an ambiguous inscription. A total of sixteen monolithic columns compose the Pantheon's majestic portico. The column's longitudinal sections, or shafts, are made of Egyptian granite, while the caps, which are sculpted, are carved out of white Greek marble.
The grand entrance of the Pantheon bears testament to its importance in ancient Rome. Its timeless beauty continues to attract a growing number of visitors in the twenty-first century.
Romas always did extraordinary things, and it shows today what extraordinary things can lead to. It is one way of showing the status the Romans had once in the age of their civilization, and the majestic monuments in the heart of Rome are a glimpse of their royalness.
The Oculus of The Pantheon
The most remarkable feature of the Pantheon is its oculus, which is a circular opening located at the exact center of the dome. During the Middle Ages, the oculus became famous because it was thought to have been created for a demon spirit to run from it after its conversion into the church. Apart from letting sunlight into the Pantheon, the 72-foot-wide oculus also served as a sundial, reflecting the daily changes in daylight and illuminating the portico of the building.
Chapel of St. Joseph, Pantheon
The Chapel of St. Joseph can be found in the northeast apse of the Pantheon. This sacred space is dedicated to Saint Joseph, who was the foster father of Jesus Christ and the spouse of the Virgin Mary. The chapel features beautiful frescoes that depict significant events from Saint Joseph's life.
Chapel of the St. Madonna of Clemency
The southeast apse of the Pantheon houses the Chapel of the Madonna of Clemency. It pays tribute to Mary, the Virgin of Mercy, as she is frequently portrayed. Giovanni Battista Gaulli painted an altarpiece of the Madonna of Clemency in the chapel during the 17th century.
Chapel of the Cruxification
Situated in the southwest corner of the Pantheon is the Chapel of the Crucifixion. It dedicates itself to Jesus Christ's execution. Giovanni Battista Piranesi painted a mural of the Crucifixion in the chapel during the 18th century.
Chapel of the Annunciation
The Chapel of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin is located in the northwest apse of the Pantheon. It commemorates the Annunciation of the Graced Virgin Mary and has a beautiful fresco painted by Melozzo da Forlì in the fifteenth century.
Conclusion
On your Pantheon audio tour, discover Rome's architectural treasures and familiarize yourself with the landmarks you are visiting to gain a deeper understanding of the region and make the most of your trip. Getting the most out of your trip to Rome means dining at upscale, authentic restaurants that serve food that will tickle your taste buds just right. With Vox City's Pantheon audio guide, you can experience a journey unlike any other.