Recovering from a heavy day yesterday, we had a leisurely breakfast then strolled to the Pantheon.
As usual Ross's sense of direction was first class, and we nearly made it there by direct route ... Hah hah
The Pantheon is a quite remarkable piece of architecture. The roof is a complete dome with an occulus (a round hole in the ceiling). There are drain holes in the marble floor, approx 80 feet below. See photo.
Beautiful artworks and painted murals, carved and plastered mouldings all around. It is actually used for mass as well, and every now and then a loud speaker message asks for silence (in about four different languages).
Apparently historians are not sure of the original purpose of the Pantheon, although it is known to be the burial site for King Emmanuel II and Raphael the painter, among others.
Spent an hour and a half people watching in the piazza in front of the Pantheon. Very entertaining! Ate some pizza and were warmly welcomed by wait staff. No sense of hurry up and move on .. Chatted about their families (they couldn't believe how many children we have!!)