Interesting Facts About the Concrete Pantheon

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the oldest buildings on the face of the Earth. It’s one of the most recognizable structures in Rome, and for very good reason—it’s impressive. Our favorite part: all the concrete used to build the massive dome!

Del Zotto Products is committed to excellence in the concrete industry, which is why we take pride in our precast concrete forms. Because we respect concrete, we want to share some facts with you about a concrete marvel of the ancient world.

Here are some interesting facts about the concrete Pantheon.

The Concrete Pantheon in Rome

  • Unlike many other ancient buildings, the Pantheon has been in continuous use throughout its history.
  • The original Pantheon built by Agrippa in 31 CE was completely destroyed and a replacement was constructed by Emperor Hadrian.
  • The original Pantheon was oriented so that it faced south while the replacement faces northwards
  • The oculus at the dome’s apex serves as a cooling and ventilation method.
  • A drainage system below the floor handles the rain that falls through the oculus during rainy season.
  • The word Pantheon is a Greek adjective meaning “honor all Gods.” In fact, the pantheon was first built as a temple to all gods.
  • Although masses are not held on daily basis, the Pantheon is still used as a church to celebrate masses on important Catholic days of obligation and weddings.

The Concrete Pantheon Oculus

  • It is regarded by many that the form of the Pantheon is the most influential in Western Europe.
  • The dome of the Pantheon is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
  • The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient building in Rome.
  • The massive Corinthian columns supporting the portico weigh 60 tons each.
  • In 609 A.D., the Pantheon was the first pagan temple to be converted into a Christian church.
  • Famous people who are buried in the Pantheon include painters Raphael and Annibale Carracci, composer Arcangelo Corelli and architect Baldassare Peruzzi. It was first used as a tomb during the Renaissance.
  • Thomas Jefferson designed the University of Virginia’s rotunda in the likeness of the Pantheon.
  • The only sources of light in the interior of the Pantheon are the oculus at the dome’s apex and the entry door.

After reading this article, we hope you’re as interested in the Pantheon as we are. If you ever have the chance to visit this amazing structure, make sure you take time to appreciate the concrete dome!

If reading about the Pantheon has inspired you to start your own concrete project, we have the forms you’re looking for. Contact us on our website or feel free to connect with us on social media.