Panthéon – Paris : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 4 Jul, 2023
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The Panthéon in Paris, France, is one of the world’s most iconic monuments. Built in 1790 as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the Panthéon has since been converted to a secular mausoleum and houses the tombs of some of France’s most famous citizens. In this blog post, we explore some interesting facts and information about the Panthéon, as well as provide a brief travel guide to the Parisian landmark. So whether you are planning a visit or just curious about Paris’ most famous architectural feat, read on for an introduction to the Panthéon.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Panthéon – Paris
1. The Panthéon was originally built as a church in 1744, but due to the French Revolution of 1789, it was re-purposed to become a shrine to the great men and women of France.
2. Standing tall at almost 103 meters, the Pantheon is one of Paris’ tallest monuments.
3. The Panthéon is home to some of the greatest minds of French society, such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Louis Braille, among others.
4. It is estimated that more than 30 million visitors have explored the architecture of this iconic site since 1889.
5. The Panthéon is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, in an area of Latin Quarter, known as the “Quartier Latin”.
6. One of the unique aspects of the Pantheon is its large, domed roof. It is said to be the source for other such domed roofs around the world.
7. The Pantheon is also the resting place of some of the most important figures in French history, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Mirabeau.
8. The Panthéon was designed by the famous architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot and was inspired by the Pantheon of Rome.
9. The Panthéon has a crypt, called the Crypte Archéologique, which houses the remains of some of the most influential persons from the 18th and 19th centuries.
10. An observation deck located at the top of the dome of the Panthéon offers one of the best views of Paris.
History & Information About Panthéon – Paris
The Panthéon is a building in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. It was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. However, the structure has been used to house a number of famous French citizens (and some international figures) since 1791.
The Panthéon was initially designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, and is considered an important work of Neoclassical architecture. Construction began in 1758, and a year later, Louis XV gave permission for use of the site as a church. Work was completed in 1790 and Victor Louis was chosen to design the interior.
In 1791, the Panthéon became a secular building and was used to house some of the most important figures in French history. René Descartes was the first individual to be buried in the Panthéon, followed by Voltaire and Rousseau. Other famous individuals such as Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, and Pierre and Marie Curie have all been laid to rest in the Panthéon.
The Panthéon is now a popular tourist destination in Paris and is a testament to France’s long history and fascinating culture.
Travel Guide For Visiting Panthéon – Paris
The Panthéon is an iconic structure located in Paris, France, that was originally built as a church by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1790. It has since come to represent the numerous reforms that have taken place during the French Revolution. Today, the building is still an active church as well as a major tourist draw in Paris.
Getting There:
The Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It’s easily accessible by public transportation. The closest metro station is Luxembourg, which services the RER B and Metro lines B and C. You can also take bus numbers 27, 82, 83, 84, 89, and 91 which all have stops near the Panthéon.
Opening Hours:
The Pantheon is generally open to the public 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keep in mind that the hours of operation may be different on national holidays and special occasions. It’s recommended to check online before your visit to make sure the Panthéon is open.
Cost:
Ticket prices for entrance to the Panthéon depend on your age and the number of people in your group. For visitors over the age of 25, tickets will cost between 9-12 Euros (depending on the size of your group), while visitors under the age of 25 can enter for free. For those visiting with infants, there is an additional fee of 2 Euros.
Highlights:
The Pantheon is most well-known for its large dome, which is the second largest in the world (after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City). Within the building, you will find historic tombs of prominent figures such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Soufflot, the church’s architect. The building also features many incredible pieces of artwork such as sculptures and paintings.
Additional Tips:
Be sure to leave enough time to explore the entire building, as it can take up to an hour to view all of the sites. You will also want to bring a camera for pictures, although photography is restricted in certain areas. Finally, note that the Pantheon is typically busiest on weekends and bank holidays, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Panthéon – Paris
1. What is Panthéon – Paris?
Panthéon – Paris is a historic monument and marvel in the heart of the city of Paris. It was originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and today stands as a major tourist attraction.
2. Where is Panthéon – Paris located?
Panthéon – Paris is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, at the intersection of Rue Soufflot and Rue des Écoles. It is within walking distance of several major attractions including the Luxembourg Gardens and the Louvre Museum.
3. What are the opening times for Panthéon – Paris?
The Panthéon – Paris is open from 10am until 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday and public holidays.
4. How much does it cost to visit Panthéon – Paris?
The ticket price for visiting Panthéon – Paris is €10 per person.
5. Are there guided tours available at Panthéon – Paris?
Yes, guided tours are available at Panthéon – Paris. They are offered in English and cost €25 per person.