A 2,000 year old temple, now church, it's a mathematical marvel. Has not changed at all over the centuries, despite its open dome. Breath-taking to walk through the towering 20-tonne bronze doors.
Brunelleschi's inspiration for Florence's Duomo dome came from the mathematics of the all-concrete Pantheon dome. The hole here is intentional, connecting humans to the gods, and is its only source of light. Rainwater falls onto the sloping marble floor where 22 pin-hole drains let the water escape.
Rome is full of pagan, Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Christian monuments. It's absolutely overwhelming. Just behind the pantheon is the Piazza di Minerva, her symbol the elephant. What's funny to note (besides Marc's imitation!), is some royal guy objected to the design and placement of this tribute in his won square. He was over-ruled and the sculpture was built, then placed. The sculptor had the elephant's butt face that royal guy's apartment.
Next up on our day's tour is Piazza Navona, Rome's most iconic social square. 3 massive fountains, a Pope's palace ( now the Embassy of Brazil), arcade and Merry-go-rounds. Laid out in the 1st century, it hosted public games as an arena for nearly 1500 years, and until recently was home to Rome's largest market. Now it is a public gathering space full of families.
And street artists! Best wind-blown guy we've ever seen!
Doing our walk home tha night, heading back into the city center, the lighting of Rome's history is exquisite. Here, an Egyptian obelisk, one of hundreds we will come upon in the next few days.
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