Paris Pantheon | The First Ever Monument Built in Paris
Breathtaking architecture that is a mélange of grandeur and elegance and a history that fascinates beyond words makes the Paris Pantheon an iconic monument and attraction. The allure of this landmark is its rich past. Read some interesting facts and stories about the Paris Pantheon, its history, and what makes it so popular.
What is the Paris Pantheon?
The Paris Pantheon is a prominent neo-classical monument located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV to be built as a church that honors St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, today, it functions primarily as a mausoleum for famous French heroes. The glorious Pantheon architecture — interiors, the art it houses, and its sheer size is a sight to behold. The star attraction though is the Crypt that holds the tombs of illustrious individuals like Madame Curie, Louis Braille, Victor Hugo, and many others. The Pantheon is also considered the first major monument to be built in Paris and the first that offered a panoramic view of the city.
Plan Your Visit to Paris PantheonHistory of the Paris Pantheon
The Pantheon
Built on Mount Sainte-Geneviève during the mid-1700s, the Pantheon was meant to be a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. King Louis XV, who fell seriously ill in 1744, vowed to replace the older abbey and build a grander church if he ever recovered. The foundation was laid in 1758 but due to financial strains, the Pantheon was not completed till 1789. By then, the French Revolution was at hand, and a new revolutionary government was in place. The Paris Pantheon was ordered to be changed from a church to a mausoleum.
The Construction
The Paris Pantheon was first designed by Jacques Germain Soufflot, who wished to combine the simplicity of gothic architecture with classical Greek structure. However, he passed away in 1780 before this could be achieved. Jean Baptiste Rondelet took over as the architect and the construction of the new church was completed in 1790, during the French Revolution. Later, after the church was transformed into a mausoleum, architectural changes were made by Quatremère de Quincy so that the interior would appear darker and more solemn.
The French Revolution
When the French Revolution began in 1789, only the interior decoration of the Church of Saint Genevieve was left to be completed. In 1790, the Marquis de Villette proposed that it be made a temple devoted to liberty, like the Pantheon in Rome. In 1791, after the death of The Comte de Mirabeau, the President of the National Constituent Assembly, the idea was adopted; the church became a temple of the nation. The ashes of Voltaire, martyred revolutionaries such as Jean-Paul Marat, philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau, and many other were placed in the Pantheon.
Church To Temple
Napolean Bonaparte had the Pantheon restored to a church during his reign. After his fall in 1816, Louis XVIII of France restored the entire Pantheon, including the crypt to the Catholic Church. In the years that followed, with each new government, the status of the Pantheon changed. It took on the designation of 'The Temple of Humanity' in 1848, under the elected government of the Second French Republic and that of the 'National Basilica' under Louis Napolean. Ultimately, in 1881, a decree was passed to transform the Church of Saint Genevieve into a mausoleum again.
Highlights of the Paris Pantheon
Neoclassical Design
Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot envisioned the Paris Pantheon as a modern monument with traditional elements, which is made evident by its neoclassical style. The architectural grandeur of the Pantheon is exemplified by the colossal Dome, a combination of three domes set within each other; the rich Façade that features Corinthian columns and sculptures and figurines of eminent philosophers, scientists, and statesmen and the astonishing Art Naves.
Mosaics and Paintings
The Paris Pantheon's vast interiors boast of gothic magnificence and neoclassic style. The countless mosaics and paintings of scenes from French history are a sight to behold. Most of the frescos here were executed by Puvis de Chavannes. The most notable of them all is the cycle that depicts the life of Saint Geneviève de Puvis. The cycles telling stories of Joan of Arc’s life, the beginnings of Christianity, and the monarchy in France are not to be missed either.
Foucault's Pendulum
In 1851, physicist Léon Foucault suspended a metal ball in the center of the dome, surrounded by a round acrylic “sand fence”. When moved, the stiletto of the sphere makes a mark on the thin layer of sand, and with each passage that line gets longer, proving the movement of the earth. Today, a replica of Eddy’s pendulum, bathed in real gold stands in its spot. The original pendulum is displayed at the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
The Crypt
The Crypt at the Paris Pantheon is the final resting place for many illustrious French personalities. Their tombs are located in an underground basement. You enter the Crypt by going down one of the two side stairs to reach a round of chambers that leads to a system of corridors. Here, the countless chapels of where these people of great prominence lay begin. You will easily recognize names, thanks to the panels and terminals with briefs on the life and work of each personality.
Plan Your Visit to Paris Pantheon
April 1 to September 30: 10 AM to 6:30 PM (Last entry is at 5:45 PM)
October 1 to March 31: 10 AM to 6 PM (Last entry is at 5:15 PM)
The Paris Pantheon is open every day of the week.
Closure: January 1, May 1, and December 25, or if a mass is taking place.
Read About Paris Pantheon Opening Hours
The Pantheon is located in the Latin Quarter in Paris, France.
Address: Pantheon, Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France.
Know More About Getting To Paris PantheonAll Your Questions Answered About Paris Pantheon
A. The Paris Pantheon, initially built as a church, is a mausoleum that houses the remains of great French citizens.
A. The Paris Pantheon was built between 1764 and 1790
A. The Paris Pantheon is located in Paris, France. However, the first-ever Pantheon was built in Rome, between 126-128 AD.
A. The Paris Pantheon is famous for its revolutionary architectural style and its interiors. But most importantly, it is famous for being a repository for the remains of historically great French personalities.
A. The Paris Pantheon is built in the neoclassical style of architecture.
A. The primary architect of Paris Pantheon was Jacques-Germain Soufflot. It was completed by Jean Baptiste Rondelet. After the church was transformed into a mausoleum, architectural changes were made by Quatremère de Quincy.
A. Inside, the Paris Pantheon you will find a 83-meter high Dome, Corinthian columns, mosaics and paintings of scenes from French history, Foucault's Pendulum, the Naves, and the Crypt.
A. Several eminent French personalities are buried at the Paris Pantheon the likes of whom include Madame Curie, Louis Braille, Voltaire, Simone Veil, Alexandre Dumas, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and many others.
A. The Paris Pantheon was built as a church to honor Sainte-Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris after King Louis XV recovered from an illness.
A. The Foucault Pendulum was a revolutionary device named after its creator, French astronomer and physicist, Léon Foucault. It was conceived as an experiment to demonstrate the Earth's rotation.
A. The Crypt, located underground in the subterranean chamber of the Paris Pantheon, is the final resting place of many famous French poets, writers, scientists, and statesmen.
A. Today, the colossal Paris Pantheon is regarded as a secularized repository or mausoleum that houses the remains and tombs of many illustrious French personalities.
A. Ticket prices for Paris Pantheon start at € 11.50.
A. The Pantheon Paris still functions as a church and masses are held for the community. Visitors can visit the mass every Sunday at 10:30 AM and on Saturday at 5 PM.
A. Photography for personal purposes is allowed. Taking photos to sell or make a profit is strictly prohibited.
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