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

Between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, two regions have merged across the Franco-Swiss border to form a single region known as Portes du Soleil.

The giant Monterosa ski area is one of the world's largest, and thanks to recent investment in new lifts you can now ski or board without needing to stop for 180km between the resorts of Champoluc and Gressoney and Gressoney on to Alagna

The main Champorcher ski area below Rosa dei Banchi is accessed by a cable car to Laris followed by the 2km Cimetta Rosa drag lift. The village itself has five hotels and a discotheque.

Champoussin : This Valaisan village, built in the architectural style typical of the Val d’Illiez, will enchant you with its rustic authenticity.

The Chamrousse ski resort is at the situated just at the entrance to an area known as the Belledonne, only 30km from Grenoble.

The traditional mountain village of Charmey lies at the heart of La Gruyère. As a guest here you will benefit from a highly developed tourist infrastructure within a pristine landscape.