The Pantheon in Rome

After establishing our ground in Rome, specifically in Piazza Navona, my cousin and I confidently walked to The Pantheon, navigating Rome's ancient streets and alleys like pros (not!). As if we had other choice, since the distance between the piazza and The Pantheon is only 450 meters which means it's merely 5 minutes away. And walking was then the only alternative.

When we finally arrived at The Pantheon, the night had already fallen. Our vision was almost muddled by seeing endless historical buildings along the way, that it took a few seconds for us to realize that we were already in front of the iconic building. But time and again, the crowds had made it easier for us.

And we were glad that we made it in the nick of time as The Pantheon was about to close for the day.

We promptly went inside and we were immediately astounded by the marvel of such massive architecture! The Pantheon actually functions as a church and it is dedicated to St. Mary and The Martyrs. Until now for almost two thousand years, it remains to be the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Just wow.

The inscriptions on the pediment is in Latin, which means “Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius, having been consul three times made it”. The pantheon which was once dedicated to all the gods in Ancient Rome, was built between 118 AD - 125 AD during Emperor Hadrian's reign and Marcus Agrippa was his father.

We were inside The Pantheon for a while, admiring the building's magnificence from floor to ceiling, particularly the oculus which gives the natural light inside. Of course, we didn't see this because it was nighttime. Meanwhile, for it being a church, you can have a moment to say your prayer as there are a number of pews near the altar.

As The Pantheon was about to close, the visitors were then ushered towards the door and into the crowded piazza. For us, it was time to search for our dinner.

A pitcher of wine in Da Donato

My pasta at Da Donato

We found a not so crowded restaurant, tucked away a bit far from the piazza and we readily ordered pasta and wine to cap our first night in Rome. The taste of their house wine was exceptionally good in my own standards, that my paltry experience of wine before, certainly paled in comparison.

Sant'Ignazio Church

Piazza Venezia

With one too many photo opportunities, we leisurely made it to our bus stop for Termini station. It had been a beautiful first day in Rome (minus the crowds but nothing is perfect) and looking back, my walk on its ancient cobbled pavements was something I really enjoyed. I could get lost in Rome and I would be totally fine with it.