The Paris Panthéon: From Church to National Mausoleum

Origins

1744–1755

The Panthéon’s story begins in 1744, when King Louis XV fell gravely ill. After his recovery, he vowed to build a grand church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, as a gesture of gratitude. In 1755, the king commissioned the renowned architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot to design the structure, envisioning a monumental building that would rival the great churches of Europe.

Construction

1756–1790 

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, Soufflot blended neoclassical and Gothic architectural elements, creating a structure with a Greek-cross floor plan, massive Corinthian columns, and an impressive triple-layered dome. Construction began in 1764, but Soufflot passed away in 1780, before seeing his vision completed. His students, Jean-Baptiste Rondelet and Maximilien Brébion, oversaw the final stages of construction, and the church was officially completed in 1790—ironically, just as France was plunging into the French Revolution.

The French Revolution & secularization

1791–1806

With the Revolutionary movement gaining momentum, France’s new leaders sought to remove religious influence from national symbols. In 1791, the National Assembly decided to convert the newly finished church into a secular mausoleum to honor the greatest minds and heroes of France. This marked the birth of the Panthéon as we know it today.

During this period, several key figures were interred in the Panthéon. Honoré Mirabeau was the first person honored, though his remains were later removed. Voltaire, the Enlightenment philosopher, was enshrined.

The French Revolution, however, was a time of political instability, and the Panthéon’s function changed multiple times. It was briefly returned to religious use under Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 but continued to house certain national heroes.

Political changes & scientific contributions

1806–1885

The 19th century saw the Panthéon shifting between a church and a national mausoleum as different regimes came to power. Napoleon designated the building for both religious services and burials of distinguished citizens. After the July Revolution, the Panthéon was again secularized. The scientist Léon Foucault conducted his famous pendulum experiment in the Panthéon, proving the Earth's rotation.

During this period, the Panthéon continued to house the remains of notable figures. However, its definitive role as a mausoleum was cemented in 1885, when the famous writer Victor Hugo was given a state funeral, drawing over two million mourners in Paris. His burial marked the Panthéon’s permanent transformation into a place of national tribute.

Honoring resistance heroes & women

1906–1995

By the 20th century, the Panthéon became a symbol of national pride and a final resting place for distinguished scientists, writers, and political figures. Foucault’s Pendulum was reinstalled, cementing the Panthéon’s place in scientific history. Jean Moulin, a leader of the French Resistance against Nazi occupation, was honored posthumously after World War II. Marie Curie became the first woman interred in the Panthéon for her achievements, recognizing her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry.

Panthéon today

Today, the Panthéon in Paris stands as one of the city's most significant cultural and historical landmarks. It serves as a national mausoleum, housing the remains of France’s greatest minds, revolutionaries, and visionaries. Visitors can explore the tombs of influential figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and Simone Veil, among many others. The Panthéon continues to be a place of national remembrance, with modern figures occasionally being honored with entombment in recognition of their contributions to France.

Beyond its historical significance, the Panthéon is known for its neoclassical architecture, with its grand Corinthian columns, vast dome, and intricate frescoes. Inside, visitors can see Léon Foucault’s Pendulum, a scientific experiment first conducted here in 1851 to demonstrate the Earth's rotation. The crypt, a solemn yet awe-inspiring space, holds the remains of France’s most celebrated figures. Additionally, visitors can access the dome’s observation deck, which offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Paris.