Paris' Pantheon

Originally a church dedicated to St. Genevieve (and to house her relics), this structure was rebuilt in the mid-18th century, to resemble the Pantheon in Rome by Louis XV. Construction was finally completed in 1790. Several times during the succeeding centuries, it bounced between being a church and a secular mausoleum. The triple-domed upper level is beautifully decorated with frescos depicting important events in French history, as well as sculptures. The Paris Pantheon's current purpose is as a mausoleum for important French citizens and this crypt level is really impressive. It seems to go on forever! Many famous French men and women (76 at last count and still growing) are buried here; including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Louis Braille, Emile Zola, and Alexander Dumas. This is definitely a must see if you visit Paris.

​ For more information, just Google "Paris' Pantheon."

The Pantheon in Paris as viewed from the plaza in front.

The upper level main hall is beautifully decorated with statues and frescos.

Close up of the central sculpture in the upper level. When this structure served as a church, the high altar would be located here.

The dome of the Paris Pantheon is made up of three shells fitted within each other. The outermost shell is covered in lead sheathing, while the inner second dome was frescoed by Antoine Gros.

In 1851, Leon Foucault constructed this fulcrum within the Pantheon to demonstrate the rotation of the earth. Reminds us of the one in Boston's Museum of Science.

The lower level crypt area seems to go on forever. Currently, there are 76 famous French personalities buried here, and still growing.

Voltaire's tomb...

...close up of his tomb.

The Tomb of Rousseau.

Victor Hugo's tomb on the left, Emile Zola's on the right, and Alexander Dumas' straight ahead. Three Giants in French history buried together.

Marie Curie is buried with her husband, Pierre.

Louis Braille's tomb includes the system he created for the blind so they can read.