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
It's absolutely worth the visit!
The architecture is truly amazing, as are the statues. Seeing the tomb of Emperor Napoleon alone is worth the visit.
We visited during European heritage days, so there was only one line. I'm not sure if there is typically (hopefully) a separate line for pass (paris museum pass) holders. Getting through security was quick and efficient, and the staff was very polite.
Add it to the itinerary - you won't regret it.
Nick W - a week ago
The Panthéon is an awe-inspiring monument in Paris, known for its grand neoclassical architecture and rich historical significance. Originally built as a church, it now serves as a mausoleum housing the remains of some of France’s most famous figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. The impressive domed ceiling and vast interior create a sense of grandeur, while the crypt offers a solemn reflection on France’s cultural and intellectual heritage. The views from the top of the Panthéon are breathtaking, offering a panoramic glimpse of Paris. It’s a must-visit for those interested in history, architecture, and French culture.
ARMAN Rez - a week ago
This whole area is absolutely stunning. I've never seen this much stone in my life. We did not opt to go inside due to a limited amount of time in Paris and wanted to see as much as we could. U can go inside for a small fee. I imagine the view is spectacular from inside. There is a view of the Eiffel tower from the street in front.
Jennifer Lane - a week ago
Nice space, ar least not crowded when I went 10Am. The climb was worth the extra 3.5 euro ( not hard, many rest stop.). Love it1
Mu Yun Chang - a week ago
A great repository of French history. It is a shame though that it could not be used as initially conceived. However, it is the final resting place of many stalwarts. Seeing the crypts of - Hugo, Dumas and Zola in one area side by side was awesome. The Pantheon is an imposing structure - beautiful. Costs Euro 13 per adult to enter + Euro 3.50 if you wish to go to the top for a panorama view of Paris. The panorama view is worth the 200 steps climb. The washrooms are way below and there is no handicap access or lifts…Narrow steps. The gift shop is nothing much. I recommend a visit and going up to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Fulldistance Going - a week 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
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Pantheon:
Photo Gallery
-
Looking up inside the dome of the Pantheon in Paris cc licensed photo by Michal Osmenda -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stavrarg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Henry_Marion - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Tom Hilton - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mike Kniec - cc license via Flickr
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.
