The Pantheon's rival: the dome of Minerva Medica

Let's explore a little known dome from imperial Rome, dating to the time of Constantine. It was once part of a larger complex of the emperors. After a long restoration, it is now possible to visit the site. Join Darius inside the domed hall to explore its stunning engineering and architecture. It's been known as the Temple of Minerva Medica, but we'll explore its true nature in this episode.

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0:00 Introduction
0:39 The location in Rome
1:30 Imperial garden estates (horti)
3:55 Details of the dome
5:53 Decoration of the hall

[iAmLucaz]

This channel is becoming my favorite, you know exactly what we want to see!

[MikeOtranto]

I am continually amazed at all the things I get to see in the city of Rome but also the things that I miss. I could live there for a year and not see everything!

[stevenphillips]

The reconstruction of those statues is awesome... to find them and put them back together....

[ale_s]

This structure caught my attention imediately when I was arriving in Rome by train

[nijntje]

Passed by it today on my way to Lago Albano. What a coincidence. Thanks Darius. We have enjoyed so many places in Rome over the last months that you pointed out over the years. Greetings from Prati.

[anonymanonym]

How fabulous is this! When I arrive by train and pass this forgotten and mysterious structure I will now know exactly what it was and when it was built. Thank you!

[AdiSneakerFreak]

Just incredible. Thanks again Darius for getting under the skin of Rome.

[stevenphillips]

In that drawing from 1828 you can see the Ribbed support structures coming from the direct center of the arch supports ...amazing that roof lasted THAT long ....If I could time travel I would wish to go back to Rome in about 181AD, just as the Colosseum was completed .

[MikeS]

What a fantastic building! I've been to Rome so many times and never knew of this building. I know where I'm going next time! Thanks, Darius.

[luluandmeow]

Thank you Darius, fantastic content as usual, it was amazing to see the sheer scale of the building when you were inside, it makes me want to go to Rome and stay not just for a few days but for at least a month to see everything you've shown us. I really appreciate all your work. Best wishes from an italian living in London

[jayvan]

I absolutely love this channel! As a building contractor I love all the minor, close up camera angles of the structures.

[edgarsnake]

Thanks Darius. I never saw this before. Your comments about the structural innovations were great.

[maddietighe]

Can't wait to see this! Thanks for presenting a map with awesome orientation!

[Materialworld]

Thank You so much Darius, I never thought I could get a look inside it, but you did it for me. Wow.

[FortunateXpat]

Wow! I’ve walked through that area a dozen times and have somehow missed this. Not the next time. Thank you!

[patriciarichmond]

Darius, I just arrived in Rome and saw this new video, and made my reservation for April 14!! I love this ancient site and have passed it many times by train, and saw it once at the fence. Thanks to you, I will visit it properly on Sunday. Patricia Richmond

[alaingadbois]

Amazing construction! Your video had me searching in books about this structure!
Piranesi made another engraving in a slightly different angle to the one you showed.
Refered to (erroneously) as a temple, it is also drawn in plan and elevation in Palladio’s Fourth Book of Architecture.
Excellent presentation of the context, engineering and decoration of this significant building!

[Donner]

Thanks for presenting another ancient site that is not that well-known to the general public. It's good to know that there was still architectural innovation in the 4th century AD.

[peacelove]

I have learned so much from you and your video's. My next trip to Rome is in September, and I will visit this wonderful building. Thank you Darius.

[brucewatt]

Well, here’s yet another fascinating place to visit on my next trip to Rome 😅
Many thanks for detailing what to look out for when i visit this Dome of Minerva Medica 🙏