ROMA!

Pantheon: Coffered dome and oculus

Pantheon Facade

So many dreams being realized on this journey through Europe!  I am thrilled that we get to spend over a week in Rome, but it still doesn't seem like enough time! 

On our second day in the city we saw the Pantheon and the Colosseum.  Both were amazing, but I was blown away by the Pantheon, which is considered to be the most influential work of Roman architecture.  The geometry inside is perfect.  If the dome were to be mirrored on itself, it would be a perfect sphere.  The oculus (10m in diameter) is the only source of light in the pantheon and is open to the elements.  When it rains, the water drains to the exterior of the building as the floor is slightly bulbous toward the center. 

The Colossuem was really incredible to walk through as well.  The form of the colosseum is based upon an amphitheatre, but is also mirrored.  We discussed the history of the site, so feed your soul to some interesting facts:

-Much of the site that was dismantled and excavated was used in churches in the surrounding area.
-Seated 50,000 people (and only took 10 minutes for full capacity to empty.)
-The inauguration of the Colosseum consisted of 100 days of festivities and battles. Hundreds of men and thousands of animals were killed during this time.

Looking forward to the next few days here!