Pantheon

The Pantheon is often cited as one of the best preserved ancient roman buildings in the world, and visitors have been in awe of its magnificence for over 2000 years.

Finding its origins in the rule of Emperor Augustus around 29BC, most of the building seen today dates from the second century AD when it was most likely used as a temple. Having been converted into a church in the 7^th century, it has remained in use as a place of worship ever since and during the renaissance period it became a place of burial for luminaries of the age, most notably the painter Raphael.

The architecture on display here is breath-taking, with its beautiful domed roof framing a circular hole (or oculus) in its very centre. Designed to allow the sun to stream though on April 21^st every year (the traditional date of the founding of Rome), it also makes a visit on a rainy day a uniquely beautiful sight as water cascades onto the marble floor below.

With its situation in the very centre of the Eternal City, The Pantheon is a must visit for everyone lucky enough to find themselves in the Italian capital.