Pantheon

Roughly 2,000 years old, the Pantheon is arguably the most well-preserved ancient building in all of Rome; its columned facade and massive 141-foot dome (the radius of which equals its height) have remained intact since its completion by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Apart from its structure, however, the Pantheon has undergone several transformations. First conceived by General Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC, it was originally built as a temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. In 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV converted into a Christian church and during the Renaissance it was used as a tomb for numerous Roman artists, including Raphael. Today, Romans go to the Pantheon for mass, particularly on holidays and special occasions.