The Pantheon. I didn’t know what to expect. Along with the fact that I was confusing it with the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

Don’t laugh!!! Wikipedia addresses the possible confusion.

The confusion wasn’t a matter of geography, just the name. And I’d previously visited the replica in Nashville, Tenneessee.

But, the confusion was in that it didn’t look anything like The Parthenon and that it was a Basilica. So, I had to take my hat off upon entering.

The temple was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. So it’s kind of old. I was also expecting something a bit more isolated and larger. This is a place that you just wander down endless turns of alleys to arrive at. And because it’s a major tourist attraction (and a FREE one I might add) the alleys are lined with shops. It’s a ‘fine’ shopping district. Yes, there are some souvenir shops around…but when I say ‘fine’ shops I’m referring to clothing, jewelry, shoe, cosmetics, chocolate, etc.

The building stands alone with all the alleys leading to it as a central place which makes for triangular shaped buildings facing the front. Here the streets are lined with coffee and wine bar restaraunts. Very European.

Just a note here to get this out of the way….Pizza. There’s plenty of pizza available in Rome and this area is no different. The biggest note that I can make about the pizzas are 2 things. First it’s not sliced, but you’re provided with a knife and fork. Secondly there’s no ‘red’ sauce!! But, they are good. But I’ve tasted better at https://rotolos.com in Brusly, Louisiana. Also of note there’s not the wide variety of pizzas that are available in the U.S.

Enough about Pizza

The Pantheon is not short on beauty and regalia….but it is short on seating for their services as you can see. This takes up maybe, just maybe a tenth of the floor space.

I recently saw a very disappointing panoramic video of this beautiful basilica. It featured a young woman and the camera making her the central point of the video showing her just looking up in amazement as the videographer circles her. Well, the wonderment of this place isn’t in looking upward but rather visiting the circular wall at eye level!

The top of the rotunda is open…. so there’s nothing there. And only in one place do I recall seeing something that captured my awe.

So, it’s another basilica on my list. It’s not that I’m seeking these places out other than The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. I just seem to happen upon these places. Yet, right in walking distance is St. Peter’s Basilica and I don’t visit it’s interior!!!

Wikipeidia…… Agrippa finished the construction of the building called the Pantheon. It has this name, perhaps because it received among the images which decorated it the statues of many gods, including Mars and Venus; but my own opinion of the name is that, because of its vaulted roof, it resembles the heavens.— Cassius Dio History of Rome 53.27.2

It’s not an oddity to see statues of Roman God’s in the places of worship…which I found confusingly interesting. I realized that I’d have to understand much more of the history and culture to get a minimal grasp of this aspect. I’d have to leave that for later.

I took the long way here….albeit an enjoyable walk down some interesting cobblestone alleyways which danced with my imagination to my great pleasure. At times it would be like I’d flashback to ancient times and envision the going abouts of daily life in this crowded neighborhood.

Personally, I find the dinginess charming. Many times, I’ll stop and touch these ancient walls and connect to the past. For me, it’s a very rewarding experience. Something I want more of!! Perhaps I should try to arrange an archeolagical excursion on my next visit….particularly in Pompeii.

One more thing….my good friend Reba has her on line shop opened now, here’s the link. http:// www.rebasdesigns.com Please take a moment and visit….quality product for some great gifts!

What’s next? More Rome of course…I’m thinking the Colosseum next!

Peace, love, and beaches,

John

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