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The Pantheon |
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written
by Allie Kunkel / 07.12.2004 |
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Reason for Selection |
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The Pantheon is my favorite church for the mere fact that it doesn't resemble a church. The large open space and dome covering its entirity is such a departure from typical designs. This is logical when you know that it was not designed to be a place of Catholic worship at all, but meant to worship all gods.
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Description |
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The aura you feel when you enter the Pantheon has no relation to Christianity. Instead its empowering, that mere men could erect a structure as this able to stand thousands of years. And at the same time humbling, elements of nature and geometry combining in such ways to boggle the mind.
There is no time of day better than any other to visit. I would recomend going multiple times at different times of day just to see how the light changes your perception.
Most of the people there are tourists and it is rarely a spiritual experience like with other churches. There is no shushing and no confessionals.
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Memorable Visit |
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I just returned from watching a rainstorm from within the Pantheon. It was such a unique experience that most would be disappointed or uncomfortable with. But for me it was one of the most beautiful things I'd seen throughout my trip.
When I ducked in out of the rain, I was not the only one. Tourists and their fannypacks were all seeking refuge from the storm. They all saw it as an inconvenience, but for me it was a great opportunity.
I stood under the occulus and watched the cylinder of water pour to the floor, drenching the marble tiles. Thunder claps reverberated throughout the structure as the intensity of the rain increased and the water flow seemed a big shower head. It was truely a singular experience.
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Image |
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| The Pantheon |
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| Pantheon Geometry |
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| Pantheon from the Inside |
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The Pantheon is not only my favorite church but my favorite structure in Rome. Not only is it a marvelous feat of engineering, but there are so many different sides to its existance.
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