Panthéon

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hrs

A Timeless Monument in Paris’s Latin Quarter

Perched atop the Sainte-Geneviève hill in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter, the Panthéon stands as a testament to French history, architecture, and national pride. Originally conceived as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, this neoclassical masterpiece has evolved into a mausoleum honoring France’s most illustrious figures.

A Glimpse into History

Commissioned by King Louis XV in 1744 after recovering from a serious illness, the Panthéon’s construction began in 1758 under architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Soufflot aimed to merge Gothic lightness with classical grandeur, resulting in a structure that embodies the Enlightenment spirit. Completed in 1790, just before the French Revolution, the building was repurposed as a secular mausoleum to celebrate the nation’s heroes.

Architectural Marvel

The Panthéon’s design features a Greek cross layout, a majestic portico with Corinthian columns, and a striking dome inspired by St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The interior boasts intricate mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from French history. One of its most notable features is Foucault’s Pendulum, installed in 1851, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation—a significant scientific achievement of its time.

Final Resting Place of Great Minds

The crypt beneath the Panthéon houses the remains of many of France’s revered individuals, including:

• Voltaire
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Victor Hugo
• Émile Zola
• Marie Curie
• Alexandre Dumas

Each tomb tells a story of the individual’s contribution to French culture, science, and politics.

Visiting the Panthéon

• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• Admission: Standard tickets are €13; free entry for EU residents under 26
• Accessibility: The monument is wheelchair accessible
• Nearby Attractions: Jardin du Luxembourg, Sorbonne University, and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church

For more information and to book tickets, visit the official Panthéon website.