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
Sizable place. Beautiful building. I liked how there were multiple themes going on with the art. (Christianity, Genevieve, etc) The crypt is interesting because there are many famous/important historical figures in there. But all the crypts are the same/redone. The rooftop was closed.on my day.
John Abrahamson - 2 months ago
An extremely interesting historical place with thumbs of famous French. It worths to go down to the thumbs, to learn about those politicians, philosophers, authors, scientists, but I liked the large space and pieces of history on the ground floor. Beautiful, amazing, original.
Lajos Hadnagy - a month ago
A very impresive building originaly used as a church dedicated to Saint Geneveva. After the french revolution the body of the saint was burned and the ashes were thrown into the Seine and the building was transformed into a secular temple dedicated to the great men of the French nation. Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Alexandre Duma, Marie Curie, are buried here. Also here, from the center of the dome, Foucault's pendulum descends, through which he demonstrated that the Earth revolves around the sun.
Alina Pusca - 4 weeks ago
Beautiful building. Not crowded. The crypt is amazing with notable historical figures (Victor Hugo) to current historical figures. The ambience was definitely church-like and quiet, respectful. Definitely worth a visit. Thd Pantheon is included in The Paris Pass, which I highly recommend purchasing if visiting Paris and it's plethora of museums.
Kathy Noone - 3 weeks ago
Just beautiful! The murals on the walls are exceptional, the space awe inspiring, and the tombs a sobering reminder of some of the great people that helped form the French identity.
It truly was a special experience, informative, and a nice pause from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Chris Oh! Boylesque - 3 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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