Panthéon

Panthéon

Introduction: Located in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank of the Seine in central Paris. Back then, after recovering from a serious illness, Louis XV wanted to thank Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and commissioned Soufflot to design this neoclassical church, naming it the Church of Saint Genevieve. Due to the French Revolution, the church was converted into a mausoleum to honor distinguished French figures and great individuals, hence becoming known as the Panthéon.

The design of the church’s façade is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, and the pediment’s relief depicts the scene of the Goddess of France crowning the greats with laurels. The artistic decorations inside the Pantheon are also very beautiful, with the large fresco on the dome created by the renowned painter Antoine Gros.

After the July Revolution in 1830, the theme of the paintings changed to reflect “pure patriotism and nationalism.” The Panthéon houses the remains of great figures who made outstanding contributions to France, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Zola, Berlioz, Dumas père, and the Curies. Transportation: Cardinal Lemoine Station on Metro Line 10, Luxembourg Station on RER Line B. Ticket / Opening Hours: €6.4. Opening hours: Summer: 09:30–18:30, Winter: 10:00–18:15

Paris, France