The Panthéon in Paris is a monumental neoclassical building located in the Latin Quarter. The building's design was heavily influenced by classical Roman architecture, with a massive dome, grand columns, and an im...
Founded On
1790
Founded By
Jacques-Germain Soufflot, Jean-Baptiste Rondelet
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
10:00–18:00
TICKETS
From € 4.99
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
During the early 2000s, a secretive group called UX (Urban eXperiment) secretly built an underground cinema inside the Panthéon, complete with a screen, seating, and electricity. They were discovered in 2006.
The Panthéon's massive dome is actually three domes nested inside one another, creating an optical illusion when viewed from different angles. This gives the impression that it shifts and "breathes" as you move around it.
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.
The Panthéon is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, inspired by Roman temples. Its massive dome, grand Corinthian columns, and intricately designed façade make it a masterpiece of 18th-century design by Jacques-Germain Soufflot.
The nave showcases the neoclassical style with a design inspired by both Gothic cathedrals and Classical Roman temples. The vast interior is characterized by towering Corinthian columns, an expansive vaulted ceiling, and a floor plan that follows the shape of a Greek cross, creating a sense of balance and harmony. The central dome, rising to 83 meters (272 feet), allows natural light to flood the nave, highlighting the intricate details of the structure.
A replica of Foucault’s Pendulum hangs from the dome, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation. This experiment, first conducted in 1851 by physicist Léon Foucault, is both scientifically fascinating and visually striking.
The large-scale paintings, decorating the walls and ceilings, were primarily created during the 19th century, when the Panthéon was reclaimed as a patriotic monument. The frescoes celebrate religious, historical, and nationalistic themes, honoring France’s heroes, saints, and monarchs.
The Crypt is the heart of the Panthéon, housing the tombs of France’s most celebrated figures:
A special section of the crypt honors members of the French Resistance, including Jean Moulin, a hero of the Resistance during World War II.
If you climb to the dome's observation deck, you'll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Paris. You can spot landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Seine River from this vantage point.
Throughout the Panthéon, you’ll find plaques, inscriptions, and symbols reflecting revolutionary ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, as well as the motto, “Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante” (To great men, the grateful nation).
The Panthéon often hosts rotating exhibitions that explore topics related to history, science, art, and the lives of the individuals interred there. These exhibitions add a modern, interactive element to your visit. Some of the exhibits held earlier are “Daring Freedom - Figures of the Struggle against Slavery" (November 9, 2023 – February 11, 2024), and “Paralympic History: From Integration in Sport to Social Inclusion (1948-2024)" (June 11 – September 29, 2024).
The Panthéon features several stunning sculptures that represent themes of patriotism, history, and faith, such as The National Convention, a large relief dedicated to the French Revolution. They can be found in various parts of the Panthéon, including the façade, nave, transept, and crypt.
The architecture of the Panthéon in Paris is a stunning blend of neoclassical and Gothic influences, reflecting both its religious origins and later secular transformation. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in the 18th century, the structure was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, featuring a grand façade with Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment, a triangular gable that forms the end of a roof slope above a portico or doorway.
Its most striking feature is the massive dome, composed of three layers that provide both structural stability and aesthetic grandeur. Inside, the vast nave is adorned with high vaulted ceilings, intricate frescoes, and detailed sculptural reliefs, many depicting scenes from French history and the life of Saint Geneviève.
The crypt beneath the Panthéon houses the remains of France’s most distinguished figures, while the dome’s observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, including Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and more.
The Crypt of the Panthéon is one of the monument's most fascinating and solemn parts. It serves as the final resting place for some of France’s most revered individuals, both in terms of intellectual achievement and national importance. The Crypt is both a symbol of French history and a place for contemplation of the nation's great figures.
No, although it was originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the Panthéon was secularized during the French Revolution and now serves as a national mausoleum honoring France’s greatest figures.
The inscription reads: "Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante" (To great men, the grateful nation), signifying its role as a place of tribute to those who shaped French history.
In 1851, Léon Foucault conducted his famous pendulum experiment inside the Panthéon to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. A replica of Foucault’s Pendulum still hangs inside today.
The first person honored in the Panthéon was Honoré Mirabeau in 1791, though his remains were later removed. The first permanent internment was Voltaire, one of the greatest Enlightenment philosophers.
Yes! The Panthéon was secularized in 1791 during the French Revolution and transformed into a mausoleum to honor revolutionary and Enlightenment figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Jean Moulin.
The Crypt beneath the Panthéon is open to visitors and houses the tombs of France’s most important intellectuals, writers, scientists, and political figures.
The Crypt contains underground passages and chambers, some of which are closed to the public. These areas were historically used for ceremonies and burials.
Both buildings share neoclassical architecture and a large central dome, reflecting a design inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The Panthéon served as an influence on many government buildings worldwide.