Pantheon

Location

Rome
Italy
41° 53' 54.9996" N, 12° 28' 36.7428" E
IT
General info: 

Pantheon is one of the best-preserved of all Roman buildings. It was completed around 14AD and has been in continuous use ever since which is probably why it is still in a very good shape. Built in the times of Octavian Augustus, the temple was dedicated to all Gods of Roman religion.

The fascination of the Pantheon lies in its massive dimensions and extraordinary dome. Until 15th century it was the largest dome in the world. Now, almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.

The symmetry of the structure is precisely calibrated – its diameter is exactly equal to the Pantheon's interior height of 43.3m. Light enters through the oculus, an 8.7m opening in the dome that also served as a symbolic connection between the temple and the gods. The entering rainwater drains away through 22 almost-invisible holes in the sloping marble floor.

Since the 7th century, Pantheon has been used as a Roman Catholic church.

Getting there: 

In ancient times, Patheon was the epicenter of life in Rome. The city grew grew around it and that is why this place is now located in the very heart of Rome, on the Piazza della Rotonda. Easiest to go there by foot.

Costs: 

Patheon is nowadays used as a Christian church. The admission is free of charge.

Interesting places nearby

Skiers value the numerous slopes suitable for all levels of difficulty in the ski area Bad Kleinkirchheim. The ski area Bad Kleinkirchheim is situated in the Nockberge national park (colloquially named Nocky Mountains in the area).

The Sonnbichl, the ski area Bad Wiessee’s local mountain, ranges up to an altitude of 1020 m and has several pistes to offer for skiers and snowboarders as well as the breathtaking panorama view on the Tegernsee.

Welcome in the powder snow! Skiing in Baiersbronn is because of the large variety of skiing places and the atmosphere around them lots of fun.

The ski area Balderschwang is known to be very snow reliable. And if there is not enough natural snow, the snowmaking equipment guarantees snowy slopes during your winter vacation in Balderschwang.

Bardonecchia, with over 100 km of slopes and 23 ski lifts, is made up two ski areas. On one side there's the area that includes Colomion, Les Arnauds and Melezet, which is characteristized by wide slopes that cut through the forest.

Spread out on a sunny plateau above Lake Thun, with magnificent views of the Jungfrau's highest peaks, Beatenberg is a small, totally unspoilt settlement attracting visitors throughout the year.