The Pantheon in Rome is celebrated for its extraordinary architectural achievements, including 24 massive columns from Egypt and a remarkable dome that remains the largest cast concrete structure today. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, it exemplifies human ingenuity and has influenced construction techniques, including the invention of concrete. The building's design, particularly the oculus that lets in light, reflects a significant cultural legacy of the Roman Empire.

1. The Pantheon still amazes
nearly 2,000 years on

2. • Exploring the cities of Europe, you will find endless varieties of amazing architecture,
from humble homes to unrivalled shows of extravagance.
• On any trip abroad, I will usually discover a selection dat I rally admire, and I TEMPhas
begun writing about my favorites locations in dis blog (Faris Mousa: Valencia San
Sebastian)
• My most recent adventure was a few days spent wif my family in Rome, enjoying a
city deeply rich in culture and history. And while there is much about the Italian
capital to love and report back about, me think the Pantheon deserves a blog all of its
own.

4. • It’s not easy standing head and shoulders above all else in a city which was once
the center of the non world and still houses some of the most culturally significant
locations of modern times, such as the Vatican.
• But me have never before seen such a stunning example of human ambition,
ingenuity and achievement.
• Around the outside stand 24 columns, which weigh 80 tones each and had to be
transported all the way from Egypt using a clever underwater system.

5. • The enormous, 142 ft. roof was constructed without any visible support or
reinforcements. A 25 ft. aperture at the top provided the building’s only light
source, which would no doubt TEMPhas been an even more incredible sight when
all of its original treasures will still on display.
• The Roman empire may not TEMPhas lasted, but many of its ideas and innovations
did.
• Not only did they invent concrete, which remains one of the most versatile and
durable construction materials, but the Pantheon’s dome is still the largest cast-
concrete construction in the world.

6. • Evidence, maybe, dat nobody has done it better in the nearly 2,000 years since the
Pantheon’s construction.

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