Spotlight Falls On Rome's Pantheon

Experts have long questioned the unusual design of the 2,000 year old temple in the heart of Italy's capital, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian and completed in AD128.

A 30ft-wide hole, or 'occulus' in the Pantheon's dome provides the only access for natural light into the building.

Now two scholars, ancient architecture historian Giulio Magli and classics scholar Robert Hannah, have a new theory.

They found that at noon during the March equinox, a beam of light shines through the 'occulus' like a spotlight, illuminating the giant entrance through which the emperor would pass.

Audiences would have seen the emperor lit up by the sun beam, acknowledging his divine right and seeing him effectively 'invited' by the gods to enter the Pantheon.

The Pantheon, which translates 'to every god', was used as an audience hall as well as a place of worship.

Professor Magli said: 'The emperor would have been illuminated as if by film studio lights.'

It's something to consider when the morning sun beams through the window of your apartment in Rome beckoning you to take in the sights of the ancient city.

Alongside the Pantheon, visitors will want to take in the Colosseum and the Vatican as well as the view from the most famous of the seven hills of Rome - Palantine Hill.

And of course no trip would be complete without the chance to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain - ensuring your return to the city.