What is the history behind the Pantheon in Rome?

The Pantheon is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome, Italy, and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originally built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, the Pantheon was constructed between 118 and 128 AD by the Emperor Hadrian. The building was used as a temple for more than a thousand years before it was converted into a church in the 7th century AD.

The Pantheon is renowned for its magnificent architecture and engineering, particularly its large concrete dome, which was the largest of its kind when it was built. The dome is made of concrete and is supported by a series of arches and vaults, which give it its distinctive shape. The Pantheon is also notable for its use of natural light, with a large oculus in the center of the dome that allows light to flood into the building.

The Pantheon has been a popular tourist attraction since the Renaissance, when artists and architects such as Michelangelo and Brunelleschi drew inspiration from its design. Today, the Pantheon continues to be an important cultural and architectural landmark in Rome and is visited by millions of tourists every year.