The Pantheon in Rome is primarily known for its stunning architecture, influenced by Roman and Greek classical elements.
Its significance lies not just in its facade and bronze doors but in early experimentation with dome construction, which is, to date, the world’s largest unsupported dome.
The architectural style of Pantheon Rome is predominantly classified as Roman Classical, and it has a touch of Greek architecture on its exterior.
Pantheon, meaning “Temple of All the Gods,” began as a rectangular structure.
Over the course of a century, this original Pantheon evolved into a domed building.
In this guide, we will learn about the classic elements of its architecture and what it went through while changing from a Roman temple to a church.
About the Architecture
Architect: Apollodorus of Damascus
Architectural Style: Roman Classical Architecture
Date of Opening: 126 AD
Special Features: Magnificent Bronze Door, Large Dome, Oculus, Coffers, Altars, and Statues
Why is the Pantheon’s Architecture so Famous
The Pantheon has many distinctive architectural features that make it known worldwide.
The harmonious blend of a circular cell, Corinthian columns, and the iconic dome reflects classic architectural principles.
It features one of the world’s largest unreinforced concrete domes, a marvel of ancient Roman architecture.
The dome’s perfect symmetry, with its height equaling its diameter, is another unique feature.
The Roman Pantheon has design elements like the oculus, a central opening allowing light, and decorative coffers showcasing advanced craftsmanship.
It is also famous for being one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings.
If you are curious and want to know about its history, you can read our article, which covers all the minor details!
Pantheon Architectural Features
The church has many architectural features that attract the attention of millions of visitors.
The exterior of the building is a simple 16-column structure supporting the portico.
As visitors enter the church through the magnificent bronze doors, they can’t help staring at the stunning interior with its large hall and enormous dome.
Everything is worth watching inside the Pantheon, from the dome, oculus, high altar, and statues to its classic design.
Pantheon Fountain
In front of the church is the beautiful “Fountain of the Pantheon.” An architect named Giacomo Della Porta designed it in 1575.
In 1711, the fountain was modified and had a new layout, which included a different stone basin with four dolphins and a large Egyptian obelisk.
The obelisk was originally erected in the 13th century BC by the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II.
It was brought to Rome in the 1st century AD and placed in the Iseum Campense, a temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis.
The obelisk was rediscovered in the 14th century and moved to its current location in front of the Pantheon in 1711.
The Pantheon Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome and a popular spot for visitors to take photos and rest in the shade of the Pantheon.
It is also a popular meeting place for locals.
Book your guided tour or purchase an audio guide to enjoy your visit to the Pantheon.
The Pantheon Exterior: Columns and Portico
The exterior of the Pantheon is decorated with 16 massive Corinthian columns that support the portico.
Each column is 39 feet (11.8 meters) tall and five feet (1.5 meters) in diameter and was brought all the way from Egypt.
The ancient Romans quarried the columns in Egypt and transported them to Rome by ship.
They topped the portico with a triangular pediment and inscribed it with the words “M. AGRIPPA L. F. COS. TERTIUM FECIT” (Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, made this).
This inscription dates the original Pantheon to 27 BC, although Hadrian rebuilt the current building in the 2nd century AD.
The Pantheon’s portico is one of the most iconic features of the building. Its grand and imposing entrance sets the stage for the breathtaking interior.
It is also a testament to the engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Romans.
It is believed that Hadrian left it as a gesture of respect to his predecessor when he rebuilt the Pantheon.
Magnificent Door
The door of the Pantheon is among the oldest bronze doors in the world that exist today.
It weighs over 20 tons and is made of two massive bronze panels that are hinged together.
The panels are decorated with reliefs of geometric patterns and animal figures.
It is a testament to the durability of bronze and the skill of ancient Roman engineers that this door has survived 2,000 years of wars, earthquakes, and fires.
Also, the door symbolizes the Pantheon’s longevity and importance as a cultural and historical landmark.
Visitors are reminded of a bygone era when kings and queens lived in a palace with such enormous doors.
Pantheon Architectural Elements
With its large dome and statues adorning the hall, the Roman Pantheon has an impressive interior worth seeing.
Here are some beautiful designs you will find inside the church:
Concrete Dome
The most remarkable and stunning part of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with its famous hole in the top known as the Oculus, or eye of the Pantheon.
The dome was the largest in the world for 1300 years and remains the largest unsupported dome.
It is in perfect proportion, with its diameter equating to its height of 43.30 meters (142 feet).
The Coffers
The dome’s interior has decorated bronze rings, known as coffers.
They give it an aesthetic remark and help stabilize the dome’s weight.
Visitors can’t help staring at the 140 coffers, arranged perfectly in 5 rows with 28 on each, because of their classic and bizarre appearance.
The Oculus
The next architectural wonder is the oculus, an open circle at the dome’s apex with a diameter of 7.8 m.
It is completely open, allowing rain and sunlight inside the building.
You’ll see the floor slopes down into the center and has drains in place to allow water to leave the structure.
This was just an overview. You can read our article if you want more detailed information on the Pantheon interior.
Catholic Additions: From Roman Temple to Church
The Roman Pantheon was initially built as a temple for all the gods.
Later in the 7th century, it was converted to a Catholic church named “Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.”
After converting to the church, it underwent many changes with the addition of Catholic elements.
Pope Clement XI commissioned Alessandro Specchi to design the present high altars, chapels, apses, and statues.
The Main Altar is dedicated to Mary (Mother of Jesus Christ), with the Altar of the Holy Spirit situated to its right and the Altar of St. Peter to its left.
Inside the Pantheon of Rome, you’ll find four chapels dedicated to the Madonna of Clemency, St. Joseph, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and the Annunciation.
Architect and Architectural Style of Pantheon
The original architect of the Pantheon is believed to be Marcus Agrippa, a Roman statesman and general.
However, the current structure is a reconstruction commissioned by Emperor Hadrian.
He employed the architect Apollodorus of Damascus for the project.
The architectural style of the Pantheon is classified as Roman-classical.
It embodies the principles of Roman architecture, featuring a grand entrance with Corinthian columns, a circular rotunda, and a large dome.
Buy your Pantheon Rome tickets to see this stunning cathedral yourself!
Pantheon Architecture FAQs
What style of architecture is the Pantheon in Rome?
The Pantheon in Rome is primarily an example of Roman classical architecture. This architectural style reflects the classical principles of balance, proportion, and harmony significant in ancient Roman construction.
What is the major architectural feature of the Pantheon?
The major architectural feature of the Pantheon is its large dome. The Pantheon Dome has held the record for being the largest dome for an astonishing 1300 years. It is now established as the largest unsupported concrete dome globally.
What architectural techniques did the Pantheon use?
The Pantheon employed innovative architectural techniques. The foundation involved a solid base and vertical walls supporting the dome, contributing to its structural integrity. Its notable features include a rotunda shape, with gradually lighter materials in the dome’s construction. And the addition of recessed panel bricks called coffers to reduce weight while ensuring stability.
What materials are in Pantheon architecture?
The Pantheon’s architecture uses concrete, brick, white marble, limestone (travertine), and a mix of tufa and scoria (pumice) for the dome. The enduring strength lies in the Roman concrete recipe made of lime, pozzolana sand, and varied aggregates, offering versatility in density.
Is the Pantheon Greek architecture?
The Pantheon is primarily Roman architecture, and architects designed a portico referencing Greek architecture.
What architect designed the Pantheon?
The original Pantheon was designed by architect Marcus Agrippa, and Apollodorus of Damascus designed the reconstruction in 126 AD.
What made the Pantheon an architectural marvel?
The Pantheon’s dome is the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world, and it was built over 2,000 years ago. The Romans used various innovative techniques to build the dome, including using lighter materials towards the top and adding a series of steps to help distribute the weight.
How did the Pantheon influence architecture?
The Pantheon has influenced architecture for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most important and influential buildings in the history of architecture. One of the most significant ways the Pantheon has influenced architecture is its use of concrete. The Pantheon was one of the earliest examples of a large-scale concrete building.
