Pantheon

Piazza della Rotonda Roma

Converted into a Catholic Church in the 8th Century and called "Holy Mary & All the Martyrs"

The Pantheon was originally constructed as a pagan temple dedicated to all the Olympian gods, and was comissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century AD. Some believe that Emperor Hadrian designed it himself. In the 8th century, the Pantheon was converted into a church by Pope Boniface IV, who dedicated the temple to Holy Mary and all the martyrs. It is still an active church till this day.

On the Feast of Pentecost, firefighters climb to the top of dome and drop rose petals through the occulus signifying the descent of the Holy Spirit.