Panthéon — Attraction in Paris

The Panthéon is a neoclassical monument located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. Originally built as a church, it now serves as a secular mausoleum for some of the most distinguished French citizens. Its monumental scale and rich history make it a prominent landmark and a symbol of French national pride. History and Architecture A Royal Vow: The building's history begins in the 18th century. In 1744, King Louis XV fell gravely ill and, upon his recovery, vowed to replace the ruined church of the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève with a grand new building dedicated to the patron saint of Paris. Neoclassical Design: The architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot was commissioned for the project. He designed the building in the neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from classical Roman architecture, particularly the Pantheon in Rome. Completed in 1790, the building features a massive portico with Corinthian columns and a large dome that was, for a time, the highest point in Paris. Transformation: During the French Revolution, the building's purpose was radically changed. In 1791, the National Constituent Assembly decreed that it should become a mausoleum for the nation's "great men," renaming it the Panthéon. Over the next century, it was reconsecrated as a church and resecularized several times, before finally being designated as a secular mausoleum in 1881. The Necropolis: "Aux grands hommes la Patrie reconnaissante" The most significant aspect of the Panthéon is its crypt, which holds the remains of over 70 notable French figures. The inscription above the entrance, "Aux grands hommes la Patrie reconnaissante" (To great men, the grateful fatherland), encapsulates its role as a final resting place for those who have made significant contributions to France. Notable figures buried there include: Philosophers and Writers: Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Émile Zola. Scientists and Engineers: Marie and Pierre Curie (Marie Curie was the first woman interred on her own merit), and the building's architect, Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Political and Social Activists: Jean Moulin (a key leader of the French Resistance), and Simone Veil (a Holocaust survivor and champion of women's rights). Foucault's Pendulum One of the Panthéon's most famous interior features is a replica of the Foucault pendulum. In 1851, physicist Léon Foucault conducted his groundbreaking experiment within the dome of the Panthéon, using a 67-meter-long pendulum to provide a simple, visible proof of the Earth's rotation. A copy of the pendulum is now suspended in the nave, continuously demonstrating this fundamental...

First of all let me say I didn't know much about the Pantheon before I visited. This place started out as a cathedral built to St Genevieve, the patron saint of France. Ultimately it took on a more secular form. You can still see remnants of religious inscriptions in the walls, and in the paintings. What really stood out for me is how proud the French are of their history. Especially the people who stood up for what they believed to be just. The revolutionaries. Those who stood up for others who didn't have a voice of their own. The place is grand. And there are many famous people here. The one exhibit that probably impressed me the most was about a man I knew nothing about until today. Robert Badinter. He was actually entombed here on October 9th of this year. He passed away a year ago and they moved his body here. It was a grand celebration. I happen to be here at the time but I would have never gone into a visit at that point in time because it was so crowded. What I learned about him is that he was really a great man. He let a campaign to end the death penalty in France. He stood up for prison reform and life. "Humanism is the conviction that human life holds the ultimate value." This is one of his quotes. Others entombed here our Victor Hugo. Voltaire. Albert Camus. Emelie Zola. and one famous woman honored there is Josephine Baker. This occurred in 2021. The coffin doesn't actually contain her remains. It contains soil from St Louis where she was born, Paris, Monaco and the Dodogne where she had members of the resistance during WWII. Marie Curie and her husband are also in tune to there. She's the only person honored for her scientific achievement and she is the first woman ever interned in the Pantheon. Simone Veil - a woman who championed women's rights is entered there also Unfortunately there are only six women total. Anyway sorry this is so long there is so much history there. It's probably good to get an audio version so you can walk around and understand more about all the people that are there. Okay I'm done with...

I expected to find myself in a quiet place full of memories and history at the same time. Founded in 1804, the cemetery is one of the largest and most famous cemeteries in the world. It has become a destination for people who want to honor figures who made history in France and around the world. When you enter, you feel as if you are in an open museum. Ancient trees and winding roads give the place an air of tranquility and solemnity. The tombs themselves are not only places of eternal rest, they are also works of art in stone and sculpture, revealing much creativity. My first stop was to visit Oscar Wilde's grave, which was surrounded by many visitors. She noticed the colorful flowers and messages left by fans at the grave. Then I headed to Jim Morrison, where his grave was surrounded by small stones left by visitors, and I noticed many people taking a moment to meditate there. I also visited the graves of many figures, such as Edvard Manet and Friedrich Chopin, and I was impressed by the minute details of each grave, which reflected the life of the grave’s owner. What caught my attention most was the cultural and historical diversity of this place. I walked among the graves representing different cultures and time periods. The peaceful atmosphere and the cemetery surrounded by nature made me think about the long history of these people who left their mark on the world. Although the cemetery is a quiet place, there is also a deep sense of respect shown by visitors. The place is not just a cemetery, but rather a memorial space for the greats who changed the...