The Pantheon is the oldest building in the world that's still in use today. Since the 7th century, it has been a Roman Catholic church. Metz, France -- The Metz Cathedral or Cathedral of Saint Stephen celebrates its 800th anniversary this year.
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The Colosseum, Rome, ItalyA little older than The Pantheon, Rome's most famous classical ruin is unmissable – especially now that they have extended the visitor route to the underfloor passageways through which gladiators and wild beasts made their entrances.
In fact, the current monument is the third Pantheon, constructed nearly 200 years after Marcus Vispanius Agrippa commissioned the original in 25-27 BC. Though studies are continuing to reveal more about the original Pantheon, much of its history, usage, and architecture are still left unknown.
The Pantheon you see now is not the Original Pantheon.Although the facade of the monument bears the sign “Agrippa made this”, what you see today was NOT built by Agrippa, nor does it resemble what Agrippa built. This important fact always amazes our clients visiting the Pantheon on our Rome tours.
Ready for more interesting facts about the Colosseum that may surprise you? The Great Pyramid of Giza is more than 2,600 years older than the famous Italian arena, and the Acropolis is more than 500 years older! But that doesn't mean this iconic Roman site is the new historic site on the block.
A miracle in terms of ancient architecture, the Pantheon's dome is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Still today, almost 2000 years after its construction, the breathtaking Pantheon is a remarkable building to see.
Situated in Scotland, the Knap of Howar is a Neolithic farmstead and is considered to be the oldest preserved stone house in Europe is considered to be the oldest preserved stone house in Europe. It was occupied between 3700-2800 BC and consists of two adjacent, rectangular buildings facing the sea.
The Home Life Insurance Building has the distinction of being the first skyscraper. It was completed in 1885, and was the first building built whose entire weight was supported with an iron frame.
The Byzantine Emperor Phocas (602-610), who became Emperor by killing the previous occupant, came to Rome in 608 from the East to check out the old country. He was unimpressed and gave the Pantheon to the Catholic Church for free, who owns it still to this day, on this basis.