It's the only Gothic church in Rome and it houses a Michelangelo sculpture "Christ Bearing the Cross." Originally, Christ was naked but counter-Reformation censors added a bronze cover. No pictures are allowed inside.
Outside, an Egyptian obelisk sits on a Baroque elephant by Bernini.
The Pantheon is one of my favorite buildings in Rome. The original temple was built in AD27 by Emperor Augustus' son-in-law Marcus Agrippa--hence the M Agrippa L F Cos Tertivm Fecit (M Agrippa son of Lucio 3 times consul made this) on the pediment. After a couple of fires, the structure was rebuilt by Hadrian in AD120.
Inside, the dome is impressive. It was the model for domes to follow, including Florence's Duomo, St. Peter's basilica and even the US Capitol. The dome is made of concrete and the indentations reduce the weight of the dome without compromising strength.
The oculus or opening is 30 feet across.
Today, the Pantheon houses tombs of important people from recent centuries. King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, is buried here.
Across from him is his son Umberto I, the 2nd King of Italy.
Rafael lies in a stone coffin to the left of the main altar.
2019 04 10
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