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

With the Hörnerschneespaß-Ticket (Hörner snow-fun ticket), you can go skiing on all five areas and thus enjoy pure diversion.

The ski area Flachau is a part of the Salzburger Sportwelt and is very well-known for it’s perfectly groomed and diverse pistes.

The ski resort of Flaine is a specially constructed town, dedicated to skiing.

Where skis throw up powder snow and strange ice crystals glisten cheerfully in the sun - that's where the holiday-maker in search of relaxation can make his own private rendezvous with nature even in the middle of winter.

A lively and attractive village with skiing at numerous small areas dotted around the heavily forested surrounding slopes in the 'Great Highlands of Trentino'.

A small, peaceful and friendly purpose-built centre with lifts linked to the first-rate Madonna di Campiglio. Local skiing is mostly pretty easy on North West facing slopes, although a mogul covered black runs beneath the gondola.