Paris History: Top Facts about The Panthéon

By Megan Hills
Published: July 17, 2024
Pantheon

Discover amazing facts about the Panthéon, Paris' architectural answer to ancient Rome.

It's impossible to miss the Panthéon in the 5th Arrondissement, with its towering spire and ancient Roman pillars providing a stunning change of scenery amidst the Parisian buildings. With strong ties to Paris' tumultuous history and France's greatest icons, its intricate halls are always filled with tourists looking for a glimpse into the past. Read on to learn some interesting facts about the Panthéon in Paris.

Pantheon in Paris

There were no women buried in the Panthéon until 1995

A burial in the Panthéon was a way to celebrate the lives of prominent French figures, however this list was initially limited only to men. It wasn't until 1995 that the Panthéon broke with tradition and entombed physicist and chemist Marie Curie in its hallowed halls for her contributions to the study of radioactivity. Her husband, a physicist named Pierre Curie, is also buried in the Panthéon.

Many prominent French writers have been buried in the Panthéon

France's love of art and culture clearly carries over to the ghostly residents of the Panthéon, with many writers, philosophers and filmmakers laid to rest within its walls. These include Victor Hugo of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame fame, Alexandre Dumas, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire and Emile Zola.

The Pantheon in Paris

The Panthéon has one of the best views over Paris

Approach one of the Panthéon's guides and ask to climb up to its impressive dome, which boasts an incredible view over the City of Light. Bring your camera and leave the heels at home - it's a steep climb.

The Paris Panthéon is modelled after the one in Rome

The Panthéon is a stunning structure and its neoclassical facade is completely at odds with the French skyline, calling to mind visions of ancient Rome rather than grand French sensibilities. The most notable difference between the two is that French architects added a gigantic spired dome to it.

Initially, the Panthéon was a church

When the Panthéon was designed, it was intended to be a church built to honour St. Genevieve, a saint who is said to have saved Paris through mass prayer, and her remaining artefacts. It was commissioned by King Louis XV to replace a previously ruined church.

Inside of the Pantheon

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After the French Revolution took place, the Panthéon's purpose shifted

As a project of King Louis XV, the Panthéon was a symbol of the monarchy. After the French revolution, the new government transformed it into a place to honour those that had passed away fighting for the new chapter of French history and distinguished Frenchmen.

The Panthéon is a combination of neoclassical and Gothic architecture

Architects Jacques-German Soufflot undertook an ambitious project with the Panthéon. Its neoclassical exteriors are inspired by ancient Roman architecture, whereas its impressive and dramatic interiors are undeniably French Gothic. While it's not entirely true to Soufflot's vision, who passed away before its completion, it still draws heavily from his initial designs.

Roof of the Pantheon

Above the carved figures on the Panthéon's facade, there's an inscription

The French inscription reads 'AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISANTE', which translates to 'To great men, the grateful homeland'.

The Panthéon is covered in impressive art

With painted frescoes, mosaics and paintings depicting Saint Genevieve, key moments of French history and scenes from the revolution, the Panthéon has a stunning art collection that could put some museums to shame.

View of Paris including Pantheon

More intriguing facts about the Panthéon Paris

  1. The Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, which also hosts the prestigious Sorbonne University​​.
     
  2. The site was originally occupied by the Abbey of St Genevieve, built by Clovis, the first King of the Franks, in 508​​.
     
  3. Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon's architect, was heavily influenced by his time in Rome and the Neoclassical architecture there​​.
     
  4. The Panthéon's dome was modeled after the Tempietto, a small but influential temple in Rome​​.
     
  5. The Panthéon's dimensions are 110 meters long and 84 meters wide, with a dome reaching 83 meters in height​​.
     
  6. The construction of the Panthéon started in 1757 but due to financial issues, it took 34 years to complete​​.
     
  7. The Panthéon's design features a Greek cross layout and a large dome with three superimposed shells, reinforced with iron to strengthen the structure​​.
     
  8. The crypt of the Panthéon covers the entire surface of the building and is the final resting place for famous French figures such as Jean Monnet and Marie and Pierre Curie​​.
     
  9. The building has gone through several transformations, serving as a church and a mausoleum at different times; since 1885, it has been a civic building​​.
     
  10. Guided tours of the Panthéon last approximately 45 minutes, offering visitors insights into its history and architecture​​.

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