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 Dachstein is actually better known in summer than in winter. No surprise being the first glacier in the eastern Alps.

The ski area Damüls is popular with families. The broad slopes range from easy to difficult and almost all of the pistes can be prepared with artificial snowmaking equipment.

Nestling in a unique mountain scenery, Davos is the highest town in Europe and also one of its largest winter sports areas. The ski resort offers varied slopes ranging from an altitude of 1,560 to 2,844 m.

The ski area Diedamskopf in the Bregenzerwald offers well-groomed slopes for all levels of difficulty. The Diedamskopf with an altitude of 2090 m is Schoppernau’s local mountain and located in Vorarlberg.

BASE: 1230ft
SUMMIT: 1830ft
VERTICAL DROP: 0ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 3
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 1
Surface: 2

The Simmental - Diemtigtal valley contains several ski areas. The first and largest at Wiriehorn has 15 KM of trails and a five kilometre (just over three mile) sledge run.