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
This is just an amazing architecture. People from DC or London or anywhere where there are Roman influence might have seen this type of architecture. However, this is worth visiting.
I recommend you to take a metro or train or subway here (whichever is available) as this is one of the cheapest and quickest ways of transportation in and around Paris Metropolitan.
I recommend booking ticket in advance and then also book an audio guide because each wall has some history to tell. I’m reducing 0.5 ⭐️ for this audio guide. As it takes some time to figure out where to start from and the map has all the numbers but it is arranged very irregularly.
This has resting places of many famous personalities. Hence, I would recommend you to buy an audio guide.
The monument ticket offers panoramic view of Paris. It is very good to click a few nice pictures. However, the waiting time for getting an empty slot to click nice pictures is more than the waiting time to enter the monument itself 🤣.
If you are history buff like me then you sure are bound to enjoy visiting this place.
Also, important point always book tickets from an official website not from any agency as you might not find them when you visit to get your ticket (this I witnessed firsthand where a family of 6 got scammed).
Hemanth Koundinya - a week ago
A stunning blend of history and architecture.
Its majestic dome offers breathtaking views of the city.
Inside, the resting place of France's most celebrated figures creates a powerful atmosphere.
A must-visit for history lovers and those seeking a tranquil, reflective experience.
Zwe Letyar Htut - a month ago
The Pantheon in Paris is a masterpiece of architecture and history. Its grand dome and intricate interiors are awe-inspiring, while the crypt honors iconic figures like Voltaire and Marie Curie. The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking, offering a stunning glimpse of Paris. A perfect blend of art, history, and beauty—truly a must-visit!
ashwin kumar - 3 weeks ago
definitely worth a visit and waiting time. i would also recommend to go to the observation point because the view is stunning. however be aware of very narrow and steep stairs up
Анастасия Антонова - a month ago
A phenomenal piece of neoclassical architecture. Breathtaking from the outside and impressive from the inside as well.
I recommend to buy the tickets online, we visited on a Monday morning and entered without any waits. The queue for tickets wasn’t long either.
Don’t miss while in Paris
amit orfali - a month 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 -
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Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr
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