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Italy
Pantheon
The Pantheon, located in Rome, Italy, is a marvel of the ancient world. The name "Pantheon" refers to every god and is derived from the Greek words “pan” meaning all and “theos” meaning gods. This architectural masterpiece was originally built between 27-25 BC by Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. It was completely reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD after it was destroyed twice by fire.
Exemplifying the splendor of Roman architecture, the Pantheon's exterior is a large, circular domed cella with a conventional portico front. The portico is a classic design with eight Corinthian columns made from single pieces of Egyptian granite supporting a triangular pediment. The inscription on the pediment still reads "M. AGRIPPA L.F. COS. TERTIUM FECIT" which translates to "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, three-time consul, made this".
The interior is just as awe-inspiring. At 43.3 meters in diameter, the Pantheon boasts the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, with the height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle both the same. This harmonious balance creates a perfect sphere. The oculus, a central opening in the dome, serves as the only source of natural light and was a revolutionary feature in architecture at the time.
The Pantheon has been in continuous use throughout its history and was converted into a church, known as Santa Maria Rotonda, in the 7th century. Today, it also serves as a tomb for several important Italians, including the painter Raphael and two Italian kings.
The Pantheon is not just a historical monument, but a grand example of innovative Roman engineering. Its design has inspired numerous buildings worldwide, from the Thomas Jefferson's library at the University of Virginia to the Panthéon in Paris. It remains one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings, largely because it has been in constant use throughout its history. Today, it is one of the most visited sites in Rome, attracting millions of tourists from around the world.