Paris is a bohemian city with a centuries-old history. To get to know this city well, you need to love it and feel like a Parisian or a Parisian. The French capital is rich in attractions. In this article we will talk about an amazing architectural monument – the Paris Pantheon.
History of the Pantheon
There are two famous Pantheons in Europe that attract well-deserved attention of tourists. One is in Paris, the other is located in Rome. The construction of each of them pursued different goals, and these majestic structures were built hundreds of years apart.
The Pantheon of Paris is an impressive structure, and its history is quite different from its Roman counterpart. The Pantheon is located a short walk from the Luxembourg Gardens. It is a huge extravagant building of the XVIII century, built in neoclassical style with a majestic colonnade. The Pantheon was originally intended to be a church. The idea of its construction belongs to King Louis XV. The construction of the Pantheon was his thanks to St. Genevieve for her recovery from a serious illness (her body was buried in the basilica that previously existed on this site).
In the year of completion, the Great French Revolution broke out, and two years later the building, which should have served as a church, was converted into a mausoleum.
The Pantheon became the tomb of many famous figures – scientists Marie and Pierre Curie, Voltaire, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo and many others.
While the facade of the building was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the interior is more reminiscent of a huge Gothic cathedral. The vaulted ceilings, amazingly beautiful frescoes, and stately, imposing architecture make this place one of the most famous sights in Paris. The dome of the building offers perhaps one of the best views of the city.
Pantheon in Paris – interesting facts
The Foucault pendulum was installed here for the first time in 1851. The Foucault pendulum clearly demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.
As of 2012, 75 famous personalities have found their final resting place here
On the pediment of the building is the inscription “AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISSANTE”, which can be translated as “To great men the motherland is grateful”.
Useful information for tourists
How to get there?
You can get to the Pantheon by public transportation:
by bus – routes 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85, 89.
by car – landmark Boulevard Saint-Michel and Rue Soufflot.
by metro / RER – line 10 / RER B
Pantheon in Paris – ticket price
regular price – 9 euros
ticket price for persons under 26 years of age who are not citizens of the European Union Member States – 7 euros
price for groups of 20 people or more – 7 euros per visitor
the cost of a school group visit is 30 euros
Pantheon in Paris – opening hours
To visit the famous tomb is open from 8.30 to 19.30, on Sundays from 9.00 to 18.00. The last visitor can enter no later than 15 minutes before closing time.
During public holidays, the Pantheon is open from 9am to 1am.
The Pantheon is closed to the public on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Excursions in Paris
This European capital is far ahead of other big cities of old Europe by the number of sights. Therefore, only after arriving in Paris, we recommend immediately go on excursions. Our tourists prefer excursions in Paris in Russian, although if you know and perceive French well – do not miss a rare opportunity to enjoy this amazingly bright and romantic language.
Our tips for visiting interesting places in the city:
Start with a sightseeing tour of Paris
Tour the museums of Paris, but keep in mind that you can’t do it in one day
The secrets of a glorious past will be revealed to you in bohemian Montmartre
The aristocratic quarter of the Marais will surprise you with 17th century sights and delve into the depths of history
The Latin Quarter will remind you of college life
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, sung by Victor Hugo, will reveal another romantic detail of this city to you
The islands of Cité and St. Louis offer a magical atmosphere
The simplicity and elegance of the Middle Ages will surprise you in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood
Visit the first Gothic structure in the world, the tomb of Saint-Denis
In the suburbs of Paris, visit the Villa Savoy
In the evening you can take a river trip along the Seine – at night the city shines with thousands of lights.
City of art and love
Paris is a wonderful place for carefree strolls that is full of charm and inspiration. The intertwining of cultures and eras, rich history, magnificent architecture and big city atmosphere are the main features of Paris. Dozens of museums will be a real discovery for those who want to be filled with the energy and feelings of the greatest creators.
In the year of completion, the Great French Revolution broke out, and two years later the building, which should have served as a church, was converted into a mausoleum.
