11 Unknown Astounding Pantheon Rome Facts: Originality, Dome, and Church

There are many temples in the Roman Empire, but none have been in service for the last 2000 years.

Pantheon Rome is a religious monument with unique architecture that has impressed people for centuries.

But how much do we know about this iconic monument?

Here are some significant facts about the Pantheon of Rome that could interest you even more during your visit.

1. Pantheon Rome’s original purpose is still unknown

One of the most intriguing facts about the Pantheon is that its original builder is unknown. 

The word “pantheon” translates to “all-worshiping” or “all-gods,” but contrary to popular belief, the building was not used to worship all pagan gods.

In general, Romans built temples dedicated to a single deity.

The Romans’ specific use of the Pantheon is undocumented, so any explanation is mostly speculation or guesswork. 

However, a robust theory from Professor of Archaeology Amanda Claridge is that the Pantheon was used to worship emperors who had not yet been deified.

It is no secret that the Romans did not like to worship emperors as gods until after their deaths. 

2. This is not the original Pantheon

Today’s attraction is the third one built on this site.

The first Pantheon was built between 27 and 25 B.C. but deteriorated so much that it wouldn’t be recognizable today.

Marcus Agrippa, a Roman consul, built it under the first emperor, Caesar Augustus.

The original attraction was built entirely of wood and was burned down 100 years later, in 80 A.D.

For the second one, Domitian took a shot at rebuilding it. 

Unfortunately, it was struck by lightning, destroying it again in 110 A.D.

Although Romans often considered lightning a bad omen, the Trajan Emperor still took Pantheon into his hands.

The attraction was finished by Hadrian, his successor, who dedicated the monument to its original creator, Marcus Agrippa.

3. There are kings buried inside the Pantheon

An interesting Pantheon Rome fact is that you will find tombs of many kings in it.

Victor Emmanuel II is buried inside the attraction, and his tomb reads Padre della Patria, which translates to the Father of the Fatherland.

Umberto I, Italy’s second and last king, is also buried at the Pantheon.

4. The original inscription is there

While Hadrian was commissioned to rebuild the structure the third time around, the original inscription from Marcus Agrippa is still present.

Hadrian was known not to put his name into the structure he built, so he kept the inscription.

The original reads “M AGRIPPA L. F. COS TERTIUM FECIT,” which says, “Marcus Agrippa, Son of Lucius, Thrice Consul, Made This.”

Another writing reads, “pantheum vetustate corruptum cum omni cultu restituerunt,” or “with every refinement, they restored the Pantheon, worn by age.”

This was a superficial upgrade that was separate from the structure.

Pro tip:
It’s easier to organize a trip when you have all your options right in front of you.
This is only possible if you .

You can see many attractions to combine your Pantheon trip and get priority entrance to every place.

5. The walls of the Pantheon are very thick

Another interesting fact about the Pantheon Rome, Italy, is its thick walls.

The Pantheon’s massive walls are one of its coolest features. The walls had to be built 20 feet (6 meters) thick to support the dome’s weight. 

This is because domes exert pressure outward, not just down.

While it’s hard to see today, there are certain areas inside the Pantheon where you can peek at the original brickwork. 

This gives you a great idea of how thick the walls are.

The Pantheon’s walls are also unique because they are not solid throughout. Instead, they have a series of chambers and voids inside them. 

This helped to reduce the weight of the walls and make them more resistant to earthquakes.

The Pantheon’s walls are a testament to the engineering skills of the Romans. They are also a reminder of the power and durability of concrete.

6. The Pantheon is a Catholic Church

One of the most surprising facts about the Pantheon in Rome is that it was converted into a church in 609 AD by Pope Boniface IV. 

This was done in response to complaints from some locals who believed that pagan ghosts haunted the building. 

The conversion of the Pantheon into a church has helped to preserve it to this day. 

It is still in good condition and is now known as the Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs, where weekly masses are held.

7. It is a Geometric Wonder

The Pantheon’s perfect proportions are a testament to the Romans’ obsession with space and symmetry. 

They believed that mathematical laws governed the universe and sought to reflect this in their architecture. 

The Pantheon’s sphere within a cylinder model is a perfect example. 

This is because the height of the floor to the oculus (ceiling) and the diameter of the Pantheon sphere are 142 feet (43 meters).

Astoundingly, the Pantheon’s whole interior could also fit perfectly in a cube.

It is a physical manifestation of the 2:3 correlation, an important mathematical concept to the Romans.

The Pantheon’s perfect proportions are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also have a functional purpose. 

The sphere within a cylinder model helps distribute the dome’s weight evenly, making the building more stable. 

It also helps to create a sense of harmony and balance in the interior space.

8. The famous artist Raphael is buried in the Pantheon

Raphael was one of the most influential artists who died in 1520 and is buried in the attraction.

What makes this an interesting fact about Pantheon Rome is that he is buried next to one of his lovers, Maria Bibbiena.

Rumors had it that he always wanted to marry her but kept postponing it due to his affair with La Fornarina.

Other painters such as Annibale Caracci, Taddeo Zuccari, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Pierino del Vaga, and Giovanni da Udine are also buried here.

9. Dome becomes a record-breaking monument

The incredible 142-foot (43-meter) dome is a record-breaking and one-of-a-kind dome worldwide.

It was built with concrete and light materials such as tufa and pumice to decrease the dome’s weight as it went up.

It held the title of the highest dome in the world for 1300 years until Brunelleschi, inspired by Pantheon Rome, built his famous Duomo in Florence.

We have a whole article dedicated to the Pantheon’s iconic dome, covering every detail about it.

Just so you know…

, also known as the Duomo, is the third-largest cathedral in the world.
 
It is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence, Italy. 

The cathedral is known for its intricate architecture, the largest brick dome, 44 stained glass windows, and its historical and artistic significance.

If you are planning your next trip to Florence, we recommend that you definitely visit .

10. Egyptian Pharaoh’s Obelisk Decorated the Front of the Pantheon

The Obelisk outside the Pantheon Rome is an Egyptian product with a fascinating story.

The Egyptian Pharaoh’s Obelisk always captivated the Romans, symbolizing the relationship between the gods and the pharaohs.

The structure is believed to represent a ray of sunlight and a vessel of communication between the gods and mortals.

Ramesses II erected this obelisk outside the temple of Ra in Heropolis.

It was moved to Rome in ancient times and placed before the famous Pantheon.

In the 1700s, it was placed on top of the fountain designed by Filippo Bairigioni.

11. Pantheon Rome is rainproof

Another fascinating fact about Pantheon Rome is that it is waterproof even with a hole in its dome.

The interior remains dry despite heavy rains due to its brilliant architecture.

The sloped marble floor and the drainage system underneath the structure efficiently flow the water away, preventing flooding.

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