The Pantheon

We have fallen a bit behind on the updates lately. We are really starting to adjust to the everyday life of Rome and there have not been quite as many tourist attractions still to visit-- other than the Pantheon.

While Jazz was in her sketchbook class I decided to take a little trip solo up to the Pantheon. We have walked past it multiple times on our way to our favorite Irish Pub (Abbey Theatre) and just have not had the chance to go in yet.

The front of the Pantheon

Massive columns

Can see how large the dome really is

Entrance

Columns close up. One family it took 4 people locking arms around the column to reach the diameter

The dome of the Pantheon was probably the most impressive part. It is one of the oldest free standing domes in the world. The opening in the ceiling is left open at all times, whether it is raining or not. One of my professors for one of my classes said during the summer when it is raining inside the sun reflects on the water giving the pantheon a pretty amazing effect.

Opening at top

A few of the frescoes

One of the original frescos, unrestored

The rest of the day I spent walking around the Prati district just to get a feel of our surrounding area. Here are some pictures of the Tiber river, which runs down the center of Rome. Many of the house boats are inhabited, and a few are converted to restaurants during the summer. The river is flooded pretty high in the pictures. When the river is lower there is a paved path along each side where it is common to see people biking and running.

Steps leading down to the path

One of our local parks.