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

The ski resort Meiringen-Hasliberg, situated between 1080 and 2344 meters of altitude, is especially suitable for families. You will mainly find slopes of moderate difficulty here.

The elegant town of Merano / Meran is linked by two-stage cable car to its own extensive ski area and is also on the 265km Ortler ski pass, which brings in another ten neighbouring centres.

Meribel (1,450m), a firm British favourite, is also known as ‘Little England upon the Alps’.

Right on the Swiss border and serving six traditional villages in the locality, this is a year-round multi-sports resort. There is a snowpark for boarders and night-skiing is possible several evenings per week.

BASE: 2624ft
SUMMIT: 3736ft
VERTICAL DROP: 1204ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 7
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 1
Surface: 6

4 ski tows, 7 runs, a cross-country trail and a toboggan-run, ice-skating and curling guarantee fun and relaxation for the young and the old. Without means of transport directly from your front door onto the slope.