PANTHEON
The Pantheon is a former Roman Temple, now a church, in the centre of Rome. It is walking distance from here to the Trevi Fountain, so the two sites make a good combination to visit one after the other. It is fun to discuss the etymology of the word 'Pantheon' with your children, because if they know a little bit about Ancient Greek, they should be able to work it out. Outside, the Pantheon looks almost more like a public building than a place of worship, with its row of very well preserved Roman columns, and its Latin inscription. However, inside there is a surprise awaiting you. The Pantheon has the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome - it creates a stunning and very cooling space to spend time in. At the centre of the dome is an 'occulus', through which daylight pours, giving a very powerful and atmospheric effect. FIND OUT MORE |