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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Places

Panthéon

The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical monument in the 5th arrondissement that began as the church of Sainte-Geneviève and was later turned into a secular mausoleum honoring notable French figures.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical monument that began as a church and now serves as a national mausoleum for distinguished French figures.

What it is

Located in the 5th arrondissement on Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon was commissioned by Louis XV as the Church of Sainte-Geneviève. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, construction began in 1757 and finished in 1789. During the French Revolution, it was repurposed into a secular memorial building.

Key details

The architecture is neoclassical with a cruciform plan, Corinthian portico, and a distinctive triple dome. The crypt holds remains of over 70 honored figures, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie and Pierre Curie, Jean Moulin, and Alexandre Dumas.

Visiting

The Panthéon is open to visitors near Place du Panthéon. Ticketed entry applies, with seasonal hours and some free admission categories. It is accessible by metro, RER, bus, or on foot.

In short

  • Originally a church, now a national mausoleum.
  • Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in neoclassical style.
  • Crypt contains over 70 notable French figures.
  • Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris.

Quick questions

What is the Panthéon in Paris?
It is a historic monument that began as a church and is now a national mausoleum honoring important French figures.
Who is buried in the Panthéon?
Notable figures include Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie and Pierre Curie, Jean Moulin, and Alexandre Dumas.
How old is the Panthéon?
Construction began in 1757 and was completed in 1789, making it an 18th-century monument.

Sources

  1. Ministère de la Culture — https://www.culture.gouv.fr/espace-documentation/repertoire-des-informations-publiques/Monuments-nationaux/pantheon
    Supports: Commissioning by Louis XV, architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, triple dome, completion in 1789, and revolutionary repurposing as a memorial temple.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pantheon-building-Paris-France
    Supports: Neoclassical design, cruciform plan, dome description, façade details, and role as a repository for notable French citizens.
  3. Panthéon Paris — https://pantheonparis.org/en
    Supports: History, location in the Latin Quarter, visitor access, and transport/visiting information.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on
    Supports: Location in the 5th arrondissement and Place du Panthéon context.
  5. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on_(Paris)
    Supports: National hall of fame and burial place for famous French personalities.
  6. Come to Paris — https://www.cometoparis.com/ger/entdecken-sie-paris/sehenswurdigkeiten-von-paris/pantheon-s946
    Supports: Burial figures list, history, and visitor context.