Monolithic

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Image: Pantheon - 17th Century

Pantheon - 17th Century

This drawing by Giovanni Battista Falda dates back to the late 17th century. The Pantheon was defined as a temple to all gods. Pope Urban VIII (1623-1644) added the two bell towers designed by Bernini. They were removed in 1833.

Image: Map

Map

A 1625 map by Giovanni Maggi shows the Pantheon within its environment.

Image: A lasting attraction

A lasting attraction

Every day hundreds of visitors enter the Pantheon through its grand doors and into its exquisite symmetry.

Image: Memorial niches

Memorial niches

Along the interior walls, marble columns frame niches with memorial portrait busts.

Image: Elaborate crowns

Elaborate crowns

Corinthian capitals crown the columns in the alcoves.

Image: High altar

High altar

Using the design of Alessandro Specchi, Pope Clement XI (1700-1721) rebuilt the high altar and apse in the sanctuary.

Image: Chapels

Chapels

The Pantheon, dedicated as a Catholic church and renamed Santa Maria ad Martyres (Our Lady and the Martyrs) has several small chapels, each decorated with priceless artwork.

Image: The Eye

The Eye

Sunlight beams through the Pantheon’s oculus, down upon a throng of tourists.

Image: Admired through the ages

Admired through the ages

No one knows the Pantheon’s exact age, but people – including notables such as Michelangelo – have admired it for centuries.

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