Between the hours of 9 am – 6:30 pm, a complimentary van service makes scheduled trips between the airport and Temple Square.  The service delivers you to one of the two visitor centers where complimentary tours are offered.  You can take a quick guided tour of this 10 acre area at the center of the city, then return to the airport for your outbound flight.

Regardless of religious affiliation, Temple Square is one of the most popular attractions in the state.  It is home to the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the huge pipe organ that accompanies the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Temple, with is six-spire design, is an operational house of worship.  No public tours of the interior are available.  (If you are member of the church and wish to enter the Temple, a temple recommend is required.)  The rest of the grounds are open to the public.

There’s no reason to feel stuck at the airport here in Utah.  Put down your work, and enjoy a little cultural outing.  It’s one of the most unusual cities that I’ve visited, and I’m fascinated at how religion as shaped its architecture, culture and development.

NOTE:  Allow a minimum of 90 minutes for the tour and round trip transportation.

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This beautiful building was constructed as a result of a promise made by King Louis XV in 1744.  He was suffering from a serious and mysterious illness (later believed to be gout), and vowed that if he recovered he would construct a building worthy of the patron saint of Paris. 

He recovered, and construction of the Pantheon began in 1758 and was completed in 1789.  Many delays were related to lack of finances – a common reason for construction delays even today!

Since its completion coincided with the start of the French Revolution, the Revolutionary government order the building changed from a church to a mausoleum where the remains of great Frenchmen could be interred.  Although it has reverted to a church twice since then, today it is once again a mausoleum.

When I walked into the Pantheon it felt austere and cavernous.  I felt the need to use my “library voice.” 

It’s basically a cross-shaped building, with a domed center.  Around the walls are murals depicting religious and revolutionary figures (I particularly liked the series of Joan of Arc), as well at statuary and frescoes.

Continue reading for more information and photos!

In the center of the Pantheon beneath its dome, is a pendulum standing nearly 220 feet tall (67 meters).  This is Foucault’s Pendulum, named for Leon Foucault who, in 1851, built the pendulum to conduct experiments demonstrating the rotation of the earth.  I was absolutely mesmerized by its simplicity and beauty.

After spending time appreciating all this art and history, you’ll have the option of visiting the necropolis (mausoleum) or climbing stairs to get a view of Paris from the top.

Not entirely morbid, the Pantheon’s necropolis is also a work of art.  Here are buried many famous Frenchmen and one famous Frenchwoman.  A few of the notables include:  Alexandre Dumas (author of the Three Musketeers), Victor Hugo (author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Voltaire, Rousseau, Emile Zola, Rene Descartes, Louis Braille and Pierre and Marie Curie (the latter the only woman buried here). 

Over the years there has been heated debate over who deserves and doesn’t deserve to be buried in this most sacred site.  Today, it takes an act of Parliament to be buried here.

I much preferred to climb up, however.  All 206 steps to the colonnade beneath the dome.  Don’t let the fact that this is a guided tour turn you away from this option.  It’s really only “guided” so that you don’t get lost on the way up!  And don’t worry about making the climb in record speed.  Go slow and rest along the way if you need to.

The view from the top is spectacular – a 360 degree view of all that Paris has to offer.  This is one of the best views in the city, in my opinion.

The Pantheon is located at Place du Pantheon in the 5th arrondissement.  The nearest metro is Cardinal Lemoine and the nearest RER is Luxembourg.

It is open 10 am – 6 pm October through March.  Starting April 1st it is open till 6:30 pm.  The upper area can only be visited April through September, and departure times very.  I’d recommend checking for a convenient tour time when you first arrive, and then work the remainder of your viewing around that time.

Admission is 8 Euros for adults, 5 Euros for ages 18-25, and free for everyone under 18.  It is an included admission on the Paris Museum Pass.  If you’ll be visiting several attractions, that’s a cost efficient option.

Photo credit:  all from personal collection

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Located in Helena, Montana (530 North Ewing Street), the Cathedral is modeled after the Votive Church of the Sacred Heart in Vienna, Austria.  It was opened in 1914 (when the first service were held), but wasn’t finished, however, until 1924.   Although the Cathedral was seriously damaged in an earthquake in 1935, it was reconstructed preserving both the impressive architecture and adding earthquake-proofing construction.  It still maintains an impressive and imposing presence in Helena.

As you walk up the stone stairs leading into the Cathedral, take a moment a look behind you at the downtown view of the city.  Then turn back to enter the cathedral, looking up at the domed ceiling an around at the pillars and stained glass windows.  The 59 stained glass windows came from Bavaria, and include a set of 37 that tell a story starting with the fall of Adam and Eve continuing to the years of the Church in the early 1900’s.

Since its repair after the earthquake, the cathedral has been completely restored and renovated, including adding some gilding in the interior.  It continues to be carefully and lovingly maintained, including upkeep and repairs to the stained glass windows.  The most recent renovation (2002-03) resulted in the addition of a gift shop and socials halls on the lower level, and the renovation of the sanctuary, chapel and addition of a baptistry on the upper level.

With a little luck, your Cathedral visit will be complete with music from its Pipe Organ.  It is as impressive to view as it is to just sit and soak up its beautiful music. 

The Cathedral is open for viewing Monday – Friday, 7 am – 6 pm; Saturday, 8:30 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, 7:30 am – 6 pm.  Summer hours may be shorter.  Guided tours are given Tuesday – Thursday at during the summer.  Reservations are required for tours at other times of the year (406-442-5825).

The Cathedral is a place of worship, and all are welcome to attend.  Check the mass schedule for details.

Admission is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.

Photo credit:  Cathedral of St. Helena

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