<P> It is one of the best - preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings , in large part because it has been in continuous use throughout its history , and since the 7th century , the Pantheon has been used as a church dedicated to `` St. Mary and the Martyrs '' ( Latin : Santa Maria ad Martyres ) but informally known as `` Santa Maria Rotonda '' . The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda . The Pantheon is a state property , ruled by Italy 's Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism through the Polo Museale del Lazio ; in 2013 it was visited by over 6 million people . </P>
<P> It is one of the best - preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings , in large part because it has been in continuous use throughout its history , and since the 7th century , the Pantheon has been used as a church dedicated to `` St. Mary and the Martyrs '' ( Latin : Santa Maria ad Martyres ) but informally known as `` Santa Maria Rotonda '' . The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda . The Pantheon is a state property , ruled by Italy 's Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism through the Polo Museale del Lazio ; in 2013 it was visited by over 6 million people . </P>
when was the pantheon converted into a church
when was the pantheon converted into a church
the 7th century
the 7th century