Pantheon Rooftop

         The Pantheon is one of Rome’s biggest tourist attractions. The monstrous, second century temple sits in the center of a web of tiny, cobbled streets. Its dome can be seen from miles away. Inside lays the body of the great painter Raphael as well as the body of Queen Margherita of Savoy, the woman credited with the invention of Pizza. The building is renown as an architectural masterpiece from its marbled columns to its wooden doors. Of particular interest is the roof; it is the largest concrete dome in the world that is not reinforced or supported. In the center of the dome is a 26-foot oculus—a circular, open hole—to offer the building’s only source of light. 

        The bravest of visitors to the Pantheon can get a closer look at the record-breaking roof by scaling it.   From the high perch, those who dare to climb are treated by stunning panoramic views of the city of Rome around them, as well as a little-seen perspective of the temple below.  Those who make the ascent can climb normally up the two stairways, but when the top stairway ends, they are advised to begin crawling on their stomach for the 30 feet separating them from the oculus.  The coolness of the sun-shaded interior of the building creates a strong vacuum of wind when met with the warmth of the outside. The pull is strong enough that it could easily suck people through the oculus if they stand near the edge.