Pantheon

The stuff of legend
Word to the wise: The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most popular attractions, so expect long queues.

Noteworthy for: Among the illustrious names buried here are the Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, and the Renaissance painter Raphael.
In a city spoilt with architectural wonders, the Pantheon is able to stake a claim as being one of its most impressive sights, a powerful reminder of the glory of the ancient Roman Empire. The present building dates to around 120AD when the Emperor Hadrian built over Marcus Agrippa’s original Pantheon which was destroyed by fire in 80AD. Agrippa’s name can still be seen in the dedication above the granite columns.

Walk through the great bronze doors and point your nose upwards to take in the vast hemispherical dome that has stunned visitors for nearly two thousand years. Natural light enters through the oculus at the dome’s centre, and as the sun moves striking patterns of light dance across the walls. When your neck starts to hurt from all that craning turn your attention to the inlaid marble floor; it is an original that hasn’t changed since the days when ancient Roman feet walked across it.