Actually it s not covered because a roof could deteriorate the internal structure of the building.
Pantheon rome hole in roof rain.
Open roof in the rain see 78 054 traveler reviews 36 872 candid photos and great deals for rome italy at tripadvisor.
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 oculus at the top of the dome was never covered allowing rainfall through the ceiling and onto the floor.
The pantheon rome 8 31 smarthistory upon entry visitors are greeted by an enormous rounded room covered by the dome.
Most believe however that the hole in its roof is a testament to rome s warm climate.
An architectural masterpiece no one quite knows how they rendered such a large dome from concrete.
Anyway the whole area isn t dameged by the rain they keep the situation under control and.
Another beautiful effect takes place at pentecost when rose petals are sprinkled through the oculus after the annual mass.