Perhaps you were wondering "is there a Pantheon audio guide?" and the answer is absolute! In fact, Getting your hands on one has never been easier! POPGuide allows you to download your Pantheon guide on your smartphone, instead of carrying around a bulky radio. This way, you can dive right into an exploration of the best preserved ancient monument in Rome, an imposing 2000-year-old church-turned-temple.
To be precise, the Pantheon is one of the most important structures of the Western civilization. It's most recognizable features include its incredibly massive dome and central oculus which both represent mind-blowing architectural achievements. Indeed, Pantheon is one of the most visited attractions in Rome, thought its proximity to many of Rome's exquisite gelaterias might've something to do with it! Whatever the case, your Roman holiday will hardly feel complete without a visiting the Pantheon. Tourists and locals alike come to marvel at the structure from the steps by the obelisk in Piazza Della Rotonda.
Though Pantheon entrance fee is zero, wandering around the Pantheon interior without really knowing what is it you are looking at and the story behind it affects the experience. Purchasing the Pantheon audio guide will provide you with an insight into the history of one of Rome's oldest buildings. There's so much to tell! You can soak in the knowledge of grand deeds, victories, defeats, and creations while enjoying the iconic moments such as passing through the grand bronze doors or standing in under the central oculus through which the sun shines (or raindrops fall) inside. Indeed, Pantheon audio guide gives your experience a whole new scope!
Highlights
Since 125 AD, the former temple dedicated to the classic Roman gods (now a Catholic church) has awed Romans and travelers alike with its incredible architecture, stunning art, and interesting stories scattered throughout the centuries. Our Pantheon audio guide will take you on an exciting quest at a very low cost. You will find out all the secrets from Pantheon architecture from its foundations all the way to the Pantheon ceiling.
How does it work?
The POPGuide application is free to download although the contents are not. After you purchase the Pantheon audio guide, you'll receive a QR code that will unlock the audio for you. Plus, once downloaded on your smartphone, the app doesn't need wifi and doesn't use your data, so you don't have to be worried about roaming charges.
History
Every good-quality tour of Rome holds a special place for the Pantheon on its itinerary. Perhaps you think that the Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, or Piazza Navona are also incredibly iconic, and don't quite understand why Roman Pantheon is so special? Well, there's a good reason behind it!
Pantheon History
The monument was built in 125 AD by emperor Hadrian covering the ruins of Marcus Agrippa's former temple from 27 BC. Although its graying, weathered walls betray its old age, the structure still manages to catch people by surprise. When you enter the Pantheon, passing under its massive bronze doors and catch the beam of light streaming in through the oculus of the concrete dome, you will be speechless. In fact, this dome remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built!
Interestingly, for centuries historians believed that it was the original temple, the one Marcus Agrippa commissioned in 27 BC. This little misinterpretation happened due to the inscription on the facade which reads 'M:AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT' meaning "Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius, in his third consulate built this."Historians got their facts straight in the 19th century when the ongoing excavations revealed the presence of an earlier temple. So, they realized, Hadrian merely kept the original inscription when he built the new temple.
Originally, the Pantheon was dedicated to the classical Roman gods we know from mythology. Actually, its name "Pantheon" is a composition of the Greek words "pan" (all) and "theos" (gods). However, people's beliefs changed with time and, in 608 AD, the temple became a Christian church. In fact, the Pantheon's official name today is Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres.
Pantheon Architecture
The utter fascination with this church though stems from its massive dimensions and the unreinforced dome. To this day, it is viewed as the greatest architectural accomplishment of the ancient Rome. Until the 15th century, the Pantheon prided itself on having the largest cupola in the world. It remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever.
The harmonious and balanced look is the result of precisely calculated symmetry. For instance, the diameter of the temple equals to the Pantheon's interior height (43.4 meters /142 feet). In the center, the round opening in the roof, Oculus, supposedly connects the earthly temple with the gods. However, it also plays a vital structural role as it redistributes the tension of the physical forces of the dome.
While informative, these paragraphs hardly scrape the surface of what is there to know about the Pantheon architecture and history. Book your Pantheon audio guide today and find out about Rome's best-preserved monument of ancient architecture.
