Piazza della Rotunda - Piazzas of Italy by Ultimate Italy

Piazza Della Rotunda

Piazzas or squares have been the centers for Roman life through the ages. Piazza della Rotunda is one of the more famous among them through the ages as it has one of the best-loved monuments i.e. the Pantheon in front of it.

The pantheon may be the considered as one of the jewels of Roman architecture and its presence dominates and adds luster to the entire piazza. It is the world’s best-preserved monument. The emperor Hadrian was responsible for building this most enduring monument. It was built as a temple to the gods in 27 B.C. It was saved from destruction as it was converted into a church.

It is exactly 142 feet tall and 142 feet wide. Huge monolithic columns support the front portico. Each bronze door weighs 20 tons. As they reach the top the walls get thinner and the building material gets lighter. A volcanic rock has been used to build the dome. There is an 18-foot hole or oculus, which lets in the light and rain. The engineering know how to build domes was lost after this dome was built until the Duomo was built in Florence during the renaissance.

There are several famous tombs inside the monument. They include the tomb of the famous painter Raphael and two Italian kings.

The obelisk at the Piazza della Rotunda was erected as a pair the other one at the villa Celimontana. In the 18th century Pope Clement IX was responsible for its erection. It was erected in the piazza in front of the pantheon. There are water spouting dolphins at the base of the obelisk

This piazza is a nice place to relax as you journey through the streets of Rome. You can also roam around the streets around the square and shop in the jewelry and vintage clothing stores.

Any time is a good time to visit this historical piazza. However it is very popular in the evening when the lights light up the pantheon and add to its charm and lustre.

The pantheon is the place to visit in all seasons. During the rainy season when there is a rainstorm the effect is particularly dramatic. To watch the rain splatter on the colourful marble floor is indeed very spectacular as the water enters the monument through the oculus on top.

This popular square is a must on the agenda of every visitor to Rome as well as its locals. Such is the charm of the pantheon.