Vrbo Kona Magic Sands is a popular vacation rental located in Kona, Hawaii. This beautiful property offers breathtaking views and access to one of the most stunning beaches on the Big Island. With its prime location and luxurious amenities, Vrbo Kona Magic Sands provides guests with an unforgettable experience. The property features multiple rental units, ranging from cozy studios to spacious villas, accommodating groups of all sizes. Each unit is meticulously designed and decorated, providing a comfortable and stylish space for guests to enjoy their stay. The interiors are furnished with modern amenities, such as fully equipped kitchens, private balconies or patios, and comfortable living areas.
The Pantheon: the Christian monument dedicated to pagan gods
The Pantheon, ancient masterpiece of architecture and engineering
The Pantheon - that means "temple of all the gods", in Greek - is an historical building showing its majesty in the heart of Rome. It is a monument built in the 2nd century, by Emperor Hadrian, known as a lover of art and culture. The Pantheon, whose origins date back to the Augustan age, was actually affected by some of the period before Hadrian's government.
This wonderful temple is dedicated to pagan gods, and its proportions are incredible: you can actually draw a circle around it as its diameter and height correspond each other, giving it a great balance and harmony. Probably the designer of the project was Apollodorus of Damascus, well-known Roman writer and architect. This example of the highest engineering making the building perfect gives origin also to interesting games of light, astonishing spectators; they exist thanks to the famous "oculus", a rounded window on the top of the dome, with a 9 metres diameter, from where you can see the sky.
The inscription written on the external walls of the Pantheon is very interesting too, situated over the pronaos: "M. Agrippa LF Cos. Tertium. Fecit" - without abbreviations it becomes "Marcus Agrippa Luci filius consultertium fecit", that means "Marcus Agrippa, Lucius' son of Lucius, consul for the first time built it". This suggests the element dates back to the first construction of the building itself - it means during the Augustan age, 1st century BC -, and that Emperor Hadrian decided to keep it on the building. There is also another writing on it, a dedication to Settimio Severus, that seems to be more recent, and shows the features of restoration; it says:
"Temple of all gods"
As we have already mentioned, the original aim of the Pantheon was to dedicate the temple to the pagan gods venerated during the Classic age, especially to the protectors of Augustus’ family. However, according to some scholars, the name of the building could be connected to the Vault of Heaven.
Whatever its function was, the "Temple of all gods" is an architectural masterpiece. You can enter by the pronaos, the rectangular area situated in front of the temple, surrounded by columns and covered by the tympanum, a typical Greek architecture element. The grey external columns - 13 m tall - are made of granite and welcome the visitors in a majestic way. The pronaos is surrounded by white steps, today covered. The entrance divides the building in three naves, but only the central one brings you inside: the side naves end in the recesses where probably there where two statues, dedicated to Augustus and Agrippa.
When you enter, in front of you, you can see an enormous rounded room covered by the famous dome with the hole. It is made of concrete, showing a peculiar engineering process. The materials it is made of get even lighter the more you go up, departing from travertine to end with the pumice on the top. Also the coffers on the ceiling decrease their dimensions. We can probably say that the long life of this monument is due to this very peculiar and accurate structure. A very interesting fun fact is that even if it's raining, the rain doesn't enter into the building: the ascensional flows smash the water drops avoiding its deposit on the floor. The final result is the impression it is not raining.
The pediment finally reveals a vanished decoration assumed to be made of bronze: it probably was a great eagle with open wings.
The interior
The Interior of the Pantheon is extremely impressive with its size and with artificial lighting blending with the natural sun, creating shadows. The floor is convex with an incline of about 30 cm, to eventually allow the rain flowing toward the perimeter of the building, equipped with appropriate drains.
The interior is distributed on three floors; the first from the bottom is full of exedras and pilasters scanned by columns, dominated by the continuous trabeation dividing it from the second floor. The wall coverings is made of coloured marble; the second floor was made of lesens to simulate windows, but what you can see nowadays is the new covering made in the 18th century. Some years ago, a part of the first floor was restored, even if in a way not so similar to the original one, in order to let you see the ancient book of the building. The last floor is dedicated to the dome with the hole.
The Pantheon: a Christian basilica
A legend tells during the spring equinox the moon gets situated on the oculus, at midnight. This phenomenon can be considered true, if we analyse the temple since its origins: it was built according to the ancient temples projects, usually dedicated to the great mother goddess. However, whatever the original purpose was, if this building is still in good conditions, the reason is its conversion into a Christian basilica, in the 7th century.
It was a very common habit for the pagan monuments; the Pantheon got changed once again in 1870, when it became the tomb of Vittorio Emanuele II, Margherita di Savoia, and the famous Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio.
Several legends talk about this building, but just one is connected to the Christian consecration, when 28 carts martyrs' bones were buried under the sanctuary. The legend tells after this act, seven devils escaped from the temple, and one of them made the hole under them to go out.
Do you want to stay in Rome?
For this location we recommend Hotel Panama Garden, ideal for discovering Rome thanks to its strategic location.
Pagan Gods from Across the Ancient World
From Zeus and Jupiter to Poseidon and Geb, there were many pagan gods around the world. The word “Pagan” derives from the Latin “Paganus”, which was reappropriated by Christianity, first in the fourth century AD, to alienate those who did not adhere to the Christian religion.
Originally it had signified that somebody was “rural,” “rustic,” or simply a “civilian,” but the later Christian adaptation, which was further developed in the Middle Ages, connoted that pagans were backward and anachronistic, neglecting the one true biblical god for heretical pagan religions that demanded grotesque sacrifices.
Indeed, this latter image is one that has remained remarkably stubborn, especially in the Western world. Elsewhere, the pagan gods of Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, or the Celts are not so alien to the Hindu or Shinto pantheons of the East. Essential to most of them is a polytheistic conceptualization of the divine – many gods rather than one, each with their own area of patronage, be it war, wisdom, or wine.
Unlike the Judeo-Christian deity, they were not benevolent or loving, but they were powerful, and it was important to placate them and have them on your side, if possible.
For the ancients, they were inextricably linked to the natural world around them; to placate them meant to be on good terms with the world and life itself.
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The interiors are furnished with modern amenities, such as fully equipped kitchens, private balconies or patios, and comfortable living areas. Outside, guests can enjoy access to the on-site swimming pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the island. The property also offers direct beach access, allowing guests to easily soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Pagan Gods from Different Cultures
There are many pagan gods and goddesses in various cultures around the world. They were often associated with natural elements, specific aspects of life, and various cultural practices. Many modern pagans and neopagan groups still honor these gods and goddesses in some ways.
The stunning turquoise waters and golden sandy beach create a picturesque backdrop for a truly magical Hawaiian vacation. In addition to its beautiful accommodations, Vrbo Kona Magic Sands offers an array of amenities and services to make guests' stay even more enjoyable. Friendly and attentive staff are available to assist with any needs or questions, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. The property also provides convenient parking options, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The location of Vrbo Kona Magic Sands is one of its biggest highlights. Situated in the heart of Kona, guests have easy access to a wide range of attractions and activities. The nearby town offers a variety of dining options, shopping venues, and entertainment opportunities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant Hawaiian culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the numerous hiking trails, snorkeling spots, and water sports activities available in the area. Overall, Vrbo Kona Magic Sands is a top choice for travelers looking for a memorable vacation rental in Kona, Hawaii. Its stunning beachfront location, luxurious accommodations, and convenient amenities make it the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying all that the Big Island has to offer..
Reviews for "The Top 10 Things to Do in Vrbo Kona: Your Guide to Pure Magic"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for the Vrbo Kona Magic Sands, but unfortunately, it did not live up to them. The condo itself was in desperate need of maintenance. The furniture was old and uncomfortable, and there were various broken appliances throughout the unit. Additionally, the cleanliness of the place left much to be desired. There were cobwebs in the corners, and the bathroom had a lingering odor. Overall, my experience at Vrbo Kona Magic Sands was disappointing and not worth the price.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I had the worst experience at Vrbo Kona Magic Sands. The photographs online were misleading, making the place appear larger and more luxurious than it actually was. The condo was cramped and outdated, with wallpaper peeling off the walls and stained carpets. The kitchen appliances were barely functional, and the overall cleanliness was lacking. Furthermore, the noise from neighboring units was unbearable, and the lack of soundproofing made it impossible to get a good night's sleep. I would not recommend Vrbo Kona Magic Sands to anyone looking for a relaxing vacation.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - My stay at Vrbo Kona Magic Sands was far from magical. The customer service was poor, with rude and unhelpful staff members. The check-in process was chaotic, and it took a long time to get any assistance or answers to our questions. The amenities promised were also disappointing. The pool was small and overcrowded, and the fitness center was poorly maintained. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of professionalism and the subpar facilities at Vrbo Kona Magic Sands.