Obviously being open to the elements means it also rains inside the pantheon but a gently sloping floor and 22 well hidden holes help the water to drain away.
Pantheon rome hole in roof rain.
Anyway the whole area isn t dameged by the rain they keep the situation under control and.
An architectural masterpiece no one quite knows how they rendered such a large dome from concrete.
Most believe however that the hole in its roof is a testament to rome s warm climate.
And at least partially to let out smoke from candles lamps and torches you have to remember that at the time the pantheon was.
It was explained to me that the hole in the pantheon is an optical illusion that is to say while standing inside it appears to be level parallel with the ground when it fact it is built at a steep angle thereby allowing light to come in normally but making it more difficult for rain to fall in.
The pantheon rome 8 31 smarthistory upon entry visitors are greeted by an enormous rounded room covered by the dome.
Another beautiful effect takes place at pentecost when rose petals are sprinkled through the oculus after the annual mass.
The oculus at the top of the dome was never covered allowing rainfall through the ceiling and onto the floor.