Though the mere mention of the Panthéon brings to mind Rome and its famed empire, Paris the capital of France, too is home to a magnificent structure by the same name. This Parisian Panthéon, though not entirely similar in structure to her Roman counterpart, resembles a comparable majestic structure in its architectural styles.
The location of this attraction has been used for multiple purposes throughout history. Initially, King Clovis utilised the space to construct a tomb for him and his wife in the form of a basilica. However, the existing structure located within closed proximity to the Jardin du Luxembourg was constructed in the 18th century by King Louis XV as the execution of a promise he made when he had fallen ill. In 1755, Jacques Germain Soufflot, a French architect was given the task of designing a church and it was this design that lead to the magnificent Panthéon that is visible today.
It took over thirty years for the Panthéon to be constructed, the architect who designed it was unable to see the project through to the end and the Panthéon was finally finished by Guillaume Rondelet in 1791. Though commissioned by King Louis XV to be a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, subsequent to the revolution, the building was converted into a civil temple. This conversion was undertaken by Quatremere de Quincy and though it was re-converted into a church, the Panthéon remains a civic temple in modern times.
The design of the building emanates a distinct Greek aura as even certain columns resemble those of the Panthéon in Rome. However, the dome like structure also resembles English architectural styles and it is clear that this French landmark derived architectural inspiration from a number of iconic European landmarks.
Of interest to visitors is that the crypt of the building houses the remains of many famous persons such as Nobel Prize winners by the likes of Marie Curie and her husband Pierre curie. Of further interest is that it is the iconic location where Jean Bernard Leon Foucault held his experiment to prove that Earth spins around its axis and this location is named Foucault’s pendulum.
For those staying in 5 Star Hotel Paris, there is much to see in this capital of love from the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Sorbonne University to the pantheon located close by. Ensure that you check with your luxury hotel Paris as to the times when a guide conducts his tours of the building so that you can plan your sightseeing accordingly. Experience a truly French atmosphere by staying at Le Royal Monceau Paris, a five star hotel located in the heart of France.
