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
Phone: 01 44 32 18 00
Official Website: Pantheon
Pantheon Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful building reminds me of St Paul’s in London, excellent views of Paris from the top,well worth a visit and the surrounding area is lovely. We had a short queue of about 5 minutes. 13 Euros for adults very good value.
Stephen MacLean - 2 months ago
One of my favorite parts about visiting Paris was the architecture. Everywhere you walk (and I encourage walking everywhere) you see such amazing sights and most everything has some form of historical significance. The Pantheon is no exception. It was amazing to stand in front of such an imposing structure towering over you. Turn around and your looking down a picturesque shop lined hill overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Chip Vogt - 3 months ago
As it is Paris, Very impressive architecture.
I dont have it in my list but lucky to see it during a walk to Eifel tower..!
People prefer subway but I recommend to walk as much as possible just to enjoy the beauty of Paris with the ancient architecture.
CAD - 2 months ago
Lovely place to spend a couple of hours. Easy to walk / bus to. Lots of art and history to delve into (I listened to a podcast on Spotify for some background information).
Despite being nervous of heights, I made it to the lookout to see some wonderful views of Paris. About 260 steps to get to the top but doable of you have slight kees problems, like me.
Emma Watkinson - a month ago
Gorgeous building, a must on your Paris itinerary. Didn't get a chance to go inside, but the outside is also gorgeous with lots of places to sit and take a break.
Sudhesh Nayak - 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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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 -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Mike Kniec - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mike Kniec - cc license via Flickr
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