Pantheon

The next “scheduled” stop is the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a Greek name meaning “temple of every God”. The estimated building completion year is approximately 126 AD. The dome is still the world’s largest non-reinforced concrete dome. It has a central opening (oculus) to the sky. The height to the oculus and diameter of the interior circle are the same, 142 feet. (Amazing) The Pantheon is reported to be the best-preserved of all ancient Roman buildings. I do not remember why, but for some reason it was closed to the public at the time we arrived. It may have been because a mass was going on, but honestly, I just do not remember. I have a few photos of the outside and took one from the internet.

The photo below is from the internet and like the others, I have no idea who to give credit to.

Next stop; Piazza Di Spagna. (Well, unless we find something else along the way.)

Spanish Steps

Piazza Di Spagna or the Spanish Steps is another must see in Rome. We found it not by using our map, but more by following the other tourists. Another amazing site. Linda and I walked to the top and took a few pictures looking down and it felt like about 1000 steps. (Really it is only 135, but the photos cannot do these steps justice.)

This photo is from the Wiki.

The stairway was designed by Francesco de Sancitis and Alessandro Specchi. The 2-year construction completed in 1725, thus creating passage from the Bourbon Spanish Embassy and the Trinità dei Monti church.

The photos below are from the top looking down. At the top is a café and as you see some local musicians having a jam session. In the lower left photo shows along the path to the top are photos of famous people walking the steps. (Mostly American actors and actresses.) The last photo is just a cool rooftop patio hidden away in this busy section of Rome.

Next post, The Colosseum, until then, happy travels.