I first saw the Arc of Light in 2014, when I was the only person looking at the portal at that time.
But on April 6th and 7th 2023 there were so many of us!

The Arc of Light is no longer a secret, but a magical event shared by everyone, Italians and foreigners.

The queue to enter was fast, and we observed the Circle of Light slowly moving until it perfectly overlapped the masonry arch above the portal. At 1.02 pm, as it does every year.

Thanks to the internet, I disseminated my discovery since 2014 and in 2019 hundreds of people observed the Arc of Light, as showwn by the Rai Tre video made by Giorgio Galleano.

It has long been known that the Pantheon was a gigantic sundial, where the Sun creates luminous "special effects". It is believed that the most important day was April 21, the Dies Natalis of the city of Rome, when the Circle of Light illuminates the portal for fifteen days in a row.

It's not like that: the Arco di Luce is much more spectacular and can be seen for very few days during the year. On April 6-7-8 and September 4-5-6.

The symbolic meaning of those illuminations is much more complex than that of the Dies Natalis.
The dates in which it can be seen are related to feasts dedicated to four of the most important Roman deities.

In April Diana (Moon goddess, April 6h) and Apollo (Sun god, April 7th) and also Cybele (mother goddess of all gods, Ludi Megalenses from April 7 to 10).
In September, Jupiter Optimus Maximus (god protector of Rome, Ludi Romani, from September 2 to 5).

The Arc of Light is also linked to the sacred power of the emperor, who acted as an intermediary between men and gods. He was illuminated by the Light like a theatrical spotlight, a sign of the favor of the gods.

You can discover this and much more in my book «Pantheon. Architecture and Light», which explains the luminous secrets of this magnificent building, the absolute masterpiece of Roman architecture.

‼️ September 4-5-6, 2023: next appointment not to be missed!