North Korea 1985 - Italy '85 World Philatelic Exhibition

Full set of souvenir sheet and three stamps issued by North Korea in 1985 for the World Philatelic Exhibition in Italy.

The stamps depict: the Colosseum (SG N2542), The Holy Family by Raphael (SG N2543) and the head of David by Michelangelo (SG N2544).
The souvenir sheet shows the Pantheon. 

The Pantheon is an extraordinary structure.  Nearly 2000 years old, the unreinforced coffered concrete dome is the largest in the world.  Inside, the only source of light is from its oculus (eye in Latin), 43.3m high above and from the massive, original - though much restored - bronze doors.

 

Multicoloured marbles from all over the Roman Empire form the checkerboard pattern of the pavement and the wall cladding.

 

The inscription on the facade reads "M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT" which translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, having been consul three times, made it".  This is a reference to a much earlier Pantheon that existed on this same site during the Augustian period and which Hadrian wanted to honour.

Side view of the portico and "drum" of the Pantheon.

 

(C) All photographs copyright RomeOnStamps Blog