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

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Avoriaz is a specially built ski village, right at the heart of the Portes du Soleil. A contemporary resort, the streets are closed to cars and all accommodation is accessible by ski.

The altitude of the ski area Axamer Lizum (1583 – 2340 m) provides snow reliability from mid November until the end of April. Moreover, 75 % of the pistes can be groomed with snowmaking equipment.

Gastein - Ski, Mountains & Spa for a new dimension of relaxation.

The ski resort Bad Gastein - Sportgastein is located on an altitude of 1584 - 2650 m and is the highest resort in the Gasteinertal and also in the state Salzburg. The ski area is a part of the ski region Gasteinertal and the Ski Amadé.

If you spend your winter vacation in the ski area Bad Gastein – Stubnerkogel, you can choose between very diverse pistes that bridge 1000 m of altitude. The winter sport region does posses modern lifts and skyrides.