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

Right on the edge of the Ecrins National Park and the valleys of Champsaur and Valgaudemar, the ski resort of Orcières prides itself on being different.

In 1 hour from Chambery and 2 hours from the international airport of Lyon, Orelle is a small mountain village of almost 400 inhabitants in the Maurienne's valley and it preserves its rural character and its traditions and architecture w

A small but picturesque town perched on the slopes of the Magnoli mountains. There are the remains of local fortifications and a castle. Skiers have four chairs and two carpet lifts accessing ski slopes for all abilities.

Located 10 km from the motorway, nestling at the foot of the Les Muverans mountain range, the holiday resort of Ovronnaz enjoys a mild and invigorating climate at an altitude of 1350 meters.

Right on the French-Italian border, the ski resort of Montgenèvre combines the charm of a traditional mountain village with the class of a world class international ski area: The Milky Way, in which Montgenevre is part, has over 400km of

Located in the southern part of the Jura mountains, Monts Jura is made up of three Alpine ski areas: - Lélex - Crozet, 15 minutes from Geneva, - Mijoux – La Faucille, 10 minutes from Gex - Menthières, 15 minutes from Bellegarde.