STARTT, an Italian architectural studio, has recently completed a significant project at the Roman Pantheon, titled 'Pantheon – Micro Architectures for Archaeology.' This initiative, supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture, represents the initial phase of a broader program launched in 2019 to enhance public accessibility to the archaeological sections surrounding the Pantheon. The core of STARTT's work involved establishing a new entry point from the Pozzo del Diavolo area, situated behind the monument's Rotunda. This strategic intervention now grants visitors access to historical parts of the building that were previously utilized for technical functions, thereby enriching the public's engagement with this iconic Roman landmark and its extensive past.
The project extends beyond mere access, aiming to restore and highlight the Pantheon's original urban significance. Historically, the Pantheon was an integral component of a linear urban scheme that stretched towards what is now Largo Argentina. This ancient complex comprised three main elements: the Greek pronaos, the circular Rotunda, and the surrounding city with its civic institutions. However, this urban continuity was disrupted during the Kingdom of Italy, when demolitions were undertaken to re-establish the Pantheon as the mausoleum for King Vittorio Emanuele II. These historical alterations led to the discovery of the Basilica of Neptune's ruins adjacent to the Pantheon, revealing layers of the city's continuous architectural evolution.
Revealing Rome's Ancient Layers
STARTT's recent intervention at the Pantheon marks a significant step in making the monument's intricate historical and urban context more tangible to the public. By opening new pathways and integrating existing archaeological findings, the project offers a unique perspective on how the Pantheon once anchored a broader urban system. This re-engagement with the site’s former spatial relationships allows visitors to appreciate the monument not just as a standalone structure, but as a pivotal component within ancient Rome's vast architectural narrative. The project, initiated as a response to concerns about the fragile subsoil in Rome's historic center, cleverly leverages modern architectural solutions to safeguard and illuminate centuries of history, ensuring that the Pantheon's past roles are more clearly understood and experienced.
The comprehensive initiative, conceived in 2020 and executed by 2025, specifically addresses the delicate condition of Rome's historical foundations, brought to light by extensive investigations into underground cavities around 2019. This program prioritizes the meticulous preservation and presentation of the archaeological remnants within the Pantheon's immediate environment and its urban fabric, rather than undertaking a structural overhaul of the monument itself. The initial phase of this effort has successfully opened the area situated between the Rotunda’s cylindrical form and the apse of Neptune’s Basilica. This newly accessible zone, characterized by the structural buttresses connecting these two historical elements, now permits visitors to explore spaces containing the Byzantine Chapel of Santa Maria ad Martyres, which houses Rome's most ancient Byzantine icon, alongside various architectural fragments from different historical periods of the Pantheon and vestiges of the Basilica dedicated to the sea god.
Harmonizing Modern Design with Historical Heritage
The 'Pantheon – Micro Architectures for Archaeology' project exemplifies an adaptive reuse strategy that introduces contemporary elements in a manner that respects and accentuates the ancient site's character. The architectural studio STARTT has employed minimalist designs, such as steel plates crafted with advanced production techniques, to create a striking yet harmonious contrast with the ancient brickwork and concrete of Roman construction. A notable addition is a new elevator, designed as a sculptural monolith, providing universal access to the upper levels of these archaeological spaces. This upper area now features a multimedia exhibition curated by the Italian Ministry of Culture, offering immersive insights into the Pantheon's storied past and its evolution.
This thoughtful approach to conservation and accessibility ensures that the interventions are non-invasive while significantly enhancing the visitor experience. STARTT's philosophy centers on defining adaptive reuse through the integration of modern, inclusive routes, thereby making the rich historical tapestry of the Pantheon accessible to a wider audience. The project effectively bridges millennia, allowing contemporary visitors to navigate and comprehend the architectural grandeur and the layered histories of this world-renowned landmark. The delicate balance between preserving ancient authenticity and introducing modern functional design illustrates a forward-thinking model for heritage site management, promising an enriched and universally accessible educational journey through time.