| The Pantheon, one of the greatest engineering | | | | they weigh less and are just 7.5 feet thick. |
| feats, was built in the time of Hadrian, the | | | | Strange as it may seem this brainwave of the |
| emperor known for his famous wall among other | | | | architects involved was not picked up by |
| things, around 125 AD. This marvellous | | | | future builders. |
| edifice has stood the test of time. While | | | | |
| other monuments of the world crumbled, the | | | | Handicapped though the builders were in those |
| Pantheon stands intact today, thanks to the | | | | days, without the advantage of machines and |
| brilliant design and engineering expertise of | | | | high precision instruments, yet they were |
| those responsible for this strikingly | | | | able to erect a monument that has stood for |
| magnificent monument. | | | | almost 2000 years. Besides, transportation |
| | | | wasn't advanced. The only way they could move |
| Structurally the Pantheon has an imposing | | | | the materials was via the River Tiber. On |
| entrance, constructed in the shape of a | | | | land, the building material would have to be |
| rectangle. The classic Greek influence is | | | | placed on carts and dragged by man or beast |
| evident in the granite pillars that bear a | | | | to the site. |
| triangular pediment. The entrance leads into | | | | |
| a rotunda, topped by a dome. The entrance to | | | | The remarkable thing about the Pantheon is |
| the circular space has three rows of | | | | that except for the restoration of its |
| Corinthian pillars. Of these, eight are | | | | massive bronze doors, no major repair work |
| constructed in front, followed by eight more | | | | has been carried out on the structure, |
| in two sets. This majestic rectangular | | | | despite it having been built on marshy soil. |
| entrance takes you into the rotunda. | | | | In comparison, the leaning Tower of Pisa has |
| | | | undergone many renovations, in attempts to |
| That the circular structure should be able to | | | | keep it from collapsing. The soft ground on |
| hold up a 142-foot diameter dome for so many | | | | which it was built has been blamed for this. |
| centuries stands as proof of the sound | | | | |
| architectural knowledge, the combination of | | | | Copies have been attempted of the Pantheon. |
| materials used and the precision to which the | | | | The Reading Room at the British Museum, as |
| construction was carried out. At the centre | | | | also the rotunda, named for Thomas Jefferson |
| of the dome is an opening called the oculus. | | | | in the University of Virginia are examples. |
| This clever idea not only allows light to | | | | However, the Pantheon transcends every |
| enter the structure, but also helps | | | | replica made of it in beauty and structural |
| distribute the weight evenly. There is one | | | | elegance. |
| drawback: the rain too has free access to the | | | | |
| interior. That too was catered for by sloping | | | | The Pantheon has always been put to good use. |
| the floor in the direction of the drains. | | | | Many famous people including monarchs have |
| | | | been buried there. From the eighth century to |
| Every aspect of the building was planned | | | | the present day, the Pantheon has been used |
| carefully. The design of the steps is equally | | | | as a church. |
| amazing. They are tapered in such a way that | | | | |
| the base, which is 20 feet in thickness, is | | | | If you do get an opportunity to visit Rome, |
| heavier than the top. The steps decrease in | | | | put the Pantheon on the top of your 'must |
| weight until they reach the oculus, where | | | | see' list. It's well worth the effort. |