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The Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all the gods, was founded between 25 and 27 BCE by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. Damaged in CE 80 and 110, it was restored by Hadrian between CE 118 and 125. Later donated by the Byzantine emperor Phocas to Pope Boniface IV, it was consecrated in CE 609 as the Basilica of St Mary ad Martyres.The pronaos is supported by sixteen Corinthian columns of grey and pink granite. The inscription on the pediment reads M. Agrippa. L. F. Cos. Tertium. Fecit (Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, was consul for the third time): this is the dedication by which Emperor Hadrian intended to enshrine the paternity of the first Pantheon, built at the initiative of the famous leader. The bronze-lined door, 7.53 meters high and about 4.90 meters wide, has two leaf weighing 7 tons each. Inside, there is a circular hall measuring with a diameter of 43.44 meters and the same height. The coffered dome terminates in an oculus about 9 meters in diameter and the ray of light passing through it makes the Pantheon an astronomical clock.
The balance between solids and voids, lights and shadows, characterizes the space of the central hall and captures the attention of the visitor, who becomes completely immersed in the spirituality and charm of a place that expresses a universal feeling capable of touching the public regardless of culture, religion and origin. The Pantheon also houses major artworks, from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.