Finally, we see the Pantheon!
Just like I mentioned in a previous post, we had to return to the Pantheon to see what was inside. It was off limits to the public the very first time we went. It rained heavily on this day and the Pantheon too got wet both in and out. Even then, the place was just grand. (Note that this post is a mix of the pictures we took on both days we came to visit it. Thus, some images show the Pantheon on a cloudy albeit dry day while the others show it in the rain.)
The Pantheon in all its splendor
Marc in front of the Pantheon
Now my turn in front of the Eternal City's oldest standing building
Because of the route we always followed to go to the Pantheon, it was its rear we saw first each time.
Another rear view of the Pantheon
and another
An outdoor column on the building's side
The ceiling with the hole on it
This circle on the floor lay directly under hole of the Pantheon's ceiling. Because of the rain, the water entered through the hole wetting the floor. Because tourists also came in with wet shoes and boots, the entire place was damp. Luckily no one slipped and fell.
This is what the Pantheon looked like on the inside.
Rain or no rain, the place was replete with visitors.
Inside the Pantheon
The tomb of Umberto I
The tomb of Vittorio Emanuele
A view of thte main altar and the hordes of tourists who visited the Pantheon the same time we did. I can't imagine being able to pray here in peace given the crowds gathered.
Another scene inside
You didn't think I was going to let a visit to someplace so famous and historic go by without my picture being taken, did you?
Marc is usually hesitant about his picture being taken anywhere. It takes a few minutes of coaxing before he relents. Somehow, Italy changed all that. Here he posed anywhere and everywhere without much complaint. Must the be architecture!
It must be absolutely wonderful to attend mass and worship not just here but in all the churches of Rome.
The statue of the Virgin Mary
One of the altars
The child Jesus in the Nativity Scene
