Pantheon
The facade of the Pantheon, modeled on the Pantheon in Rome, is a great example of the neoclassicism
The Pantheon, located in the Latin quarter of Paris, was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve and housed her relics. The construction of the Pantheon was commissioned by Louis XV when he recovered from his illness in 1744. It has since been re-appropriated as a mausoleum which contains the remains of a number of distinguished French citizens.
The facade of the Pantheon is modeled on the Pantheon in Rome. It is a great example of the neoclassicism that was popular at the time of its construction. The general layout is that of a massive Greek cross 110 meters long and 85 meters wide. The Pantheon boasts a triple dome where each dome is laid within the shell of the previous dome. The weight of this triple dome has been transferred by concealed buttresses to the portico columns. The dome reaches a height of 83 meters.
It was beneath the triple dome of the Pantheon that Leon Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the earth by hanging a 67 meter Foucault pendulum beneath the central dome. The original pendulum is in the Musee des Arts et Petiers and a copy hangs in the Pantheon. The Pantheon also housed the famous sculpture, The Thinker, from 1906 to 1922.
Since the Pantheon was converted into a mausoleum many great French citizens have been interred there. The inscription above the entrance to the crypt reads "To the great men, the grateful homeland". Some of those interred there are Napoleon, Turenne, Vauban, Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Jean Moulin, Marie Sklodowska-Curie, Louis Braille, Jean Jaures and Soufflot, its architect. Some would argue that being able to pay your respects to these famous French citizens is reason enough to pay a visit to the Pantheon on its own.
If you have not added the Pantheon to your list of things to see in Paris, it would be a great idea to do so. Many who have seen it give it 5 star reviews. The Pantheon is accessible for those who are disabled and it's worth noting that the disabled and their helpers are admitted for free.
Nearby attractions: Musee de Cluny and Jardin de Luxembourg
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Pantheon Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Address: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Official Website: Pantheon
Pantheon Reviews
Rated out of 5
A place to stop and contemplate, to feel the serenity of one’s inner life in this mesmerizing and enchanting metropolis. March seems to be a nice month to visit, still with reduced rate and spring is around the corner. We arrived just over an hour before the closing time and there was a 10-min queue. Better to book ticket in advance.
Yulan Zhou - 3 months ago
I absolutely loved my visit to the Panthéon in May! 🏛️ The architecture is truly breathtaking, and the rich history within its walls is incredibly captivating. ✨ It's a must-see for anyone interested in French heritage. I highly recommend it! 🇫🇷💯
alamgir sabbir - a month ago
Like these buildings are so amazing and grandious, what a fantastic place to explore and experience. I would have never thought ahead of time I'd have enjoyed walking through these buildings and experiencing what they had to offer, but it was great, something I'll never forget.
Stefan Brown - 5 months ago
What can I say that has not already been said? Amazingly beautiful and important place. We bought tickets at the entrance, and the wait was not so long.
The interior is astonishing, with amazing wall paintings that tell you a great story about the city. Sculptures are grand and make you think about a lot of things.
Graves in the crypt are very well organized and have a lot of information on the touch screens near them. Amazing place.
Fazil Babajev - a month ago
A massive neoclassical monument that dominates the Latin Quarter. The interior is vast and solemn, with impressive murals and the famous Foucault’s Pendulum, which provides a fascinating visual demonstration of the Earth’s rotation. It is a space that invites quiet observation rather than just a quick walkthrough.
The crypt is the most moving part of the visit, housing the remains of some of the most influential figures in French history. It feels much more peaceful and less tourist-driven than other landmarks in the city. If you enjoy architecture and history, this site offers a deep look into the secular identity of France. I recommend checking for access to the dome if you want a panoramic view of the city from a different perspective.
Angela M. Santander M. - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M10 | Cluny - La Sorbonne | 8 minutes |
| M4 | Odeon | 13 minutes |
| RER B | Luxembourg | 6 minutes |
How to get to Pantheon by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 10 exit at Cluny - La Sorbonne Station and walk east to Boulevard Saint-Germain then go right (south) on Rue Saint-Jacques to Rue Soufflot and go left. The Pantheon is straight ahead (8 minutes). From Metro Line 4 exit at Odeon Station via the Rue de l'École du Medecine exit; double back and walk southeast along Rue de l'École du Medécine continuing on Rue de Écoles to Rue Saint-Jacques and go right (south) to Rue Soufflot; then go left.
By RER: Take the RER B to Luxembourg Station and exit north onto Boulevard Saint-Michel. Walk north up Boulevard Saint-Michel to Rue Soufflot and go right.
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Accommodations near Pantheon:
Photo Gallery
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Looking up inside the dome of the Pantheon in Paris cc licensed photo by Michal Osmenda -
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Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - cc license via Flickr
