Pantheon, Paris (must see)
The Panth茅on of Paris, originally conceived as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, has evolved significantly since its inception. Constructed between 1758 and 1790, it was intended by King Louis XV to house the relics of Paris's patron saint. The structure stands on a historically rich site, previously home to Roman monuments, and underwent numerous transformations, most notably during the French Revolution when it was repurposed as a secular mausoleum.
The Panth茅on was designed to combine the lightness of Gothic cathedrals with the classical grandeur admired in Italian architecture. The architecture of the Panth茅on is a striking example of early Neoclassicism, dominated by a triple dome, each layer serving both aesthetic and structural purposes. The middle dome features a painted ceiling, while the outer stone-built dome, completed in 1790, was designed to rival the domes of major basilicas in Rome and London. Initially topped with a cross, the dome has seen various symbols over the years, reflective of France's turbulent history.
Inside, the Panth茅on hosts the Apotheosis of Saint Genevieve, surrounded by important figures from French royal history and Christianity. Its peristyle and fa莽ade mimic a Greek temple, adorned with Corinthian columns and a pediment that celebrates national gratitude towards illustrious figures, reinstated post-Revolution to honor France's great men and women.
The Panth茅on also served as the site for L茅on Foucault's famous demonstration of the Earth's rotation in 1851, using a pendulum suspended from the central dome鈥攁 copy of which remains on display today.
Throughout its history, the Panth茅on's role has shifted between religious and national significance. During its time as the revolutionary "Temple of the Nation", it housed the remains of prominent French figures such as Voltaire and Rousseau. Declared a mausoleum for "National Heroes" in the 19th century, other notables like Victor Hugo and Marie Curie found their final resting place here. More recent additions included French resistance heroes, recognizing their roles in World War II.
Today, the Panth茅on is a monument to France's past but also a symbol of its enduring values, reflecting the nation's historical journey and its commitment to honoring those who have shaped its cultural and political landscape.
The Panth茅on was designed to combine the lightness of Gothic cathedrals with the classical grandeur admired in Italian architecture. The architecture of the Panth茅on is a striking example of early Neoclassicism, dominated by a triple dome, each layer serving both aesthetic and structural purposes. The middle dome features a painted ceiling, while the outer stone-built dome, completed in 1790, was designed to rival the domes of major basilicas in Rome and London. Initially topped with a cross, the dome has seen various symbols over the years, reflective of France's turbulent history.
Inside, the Panth茅on hosts the Apotheosis of Saint Genevieve, surrounded by important figures from French royal history and Christianity. Its peristyle and fa莽ade mimic a Greek temple, adorned with Corinthian columns and a pediment that celebrates national gratitude towards illustrious figures, reinstated post-Revolution to honor France's great men and women.
The Panth茅on also served as the site for L茅on Foucault's famous demonstration of the Earth's rotation in 1851, using a pendulum suspended from the central dome鈥攁 copy of which remains on display today.
Throughout its history, the Panth茅on's role has shifted between religious and national significance. During its time as the revolutionary "Temple of the Nation", it housed the remains of prominent French figures such as Voltaire and Rousseau. Declared a mausoleum for "National Heroes" in the 19th century, other notables like Victor Hugo and Marie Curie found their final resting place here. More recent additions included French resistance heroes, recognizing their roles in World War II.
Today, the Panth茅on is a monument to France's past but also a symbol of its enduring values, reflecting the nation's historical journey and its commitment to honoring those who have shaped its cultural and political landscape.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Pantheon on Map
Sight Name: Pantheon
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital 鈥� one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elys茅es, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris鈥� buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied 鈥� which you can find on this self-guided tour 鈥� are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour
Originally known as "Mons Martis" or the "Mount of Mars," Montmartre is a renowned Parisian neighborhood, celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. This picturesque district is a canvas of landmarks, each narrating a unique story.
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Pr茅s, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
Paris, the capital of France, has a history spanning over 2,000 years back to the Iron Age. The name 鈥淧aris鈥� comes from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the bank of the river Seine around the 3rd century BC. Having conquered the Galls, the Romans established on their land a garrison town known as Lutetia. By the end of the 5th century AD, it fell to the Franks and flourished under... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour
The 7th administrative district of Paris, a beacon of affluence and prestige, hosts an elite residential community and numerous national institutions of France, government offices, and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood is famed for its quintessentially Parisian architecture, vibrant caf茅s, restaurants, and gourmet shops that attract food enthusiasts from around the world.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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