Review: Panthéon

Tell me: What’s this place all about?
The Panthéon began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève in 1757, designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot. The building went back and forth between religious and secular use before finally becoming the final resting place of heroic French citizens. It now houses the remains of authors like Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo alongside innovators like scientist Marie Curie.

Wow. What’s it like being there?
There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture, which features soaring domes and columns that pay homage to the original Roman Pantheon. People also come to visit the resting places of France's famous sons and daughters, like author Émile Zola. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity.

Pretty interesting! Is there a guide involved?
There is no guide required.

Who comes here?
The Panthéon sits near the Sorbonne, so you are likely to run across students on any given visit. You'll also find tourists who come for the immersive sense of history the building provides. You can walk through the space at a quick clip to take photos and leave, or spend a while taking in the depth of detail in every architectural decision.

Did it meet expectations?
The building itself is unusually beautiful and powerful in its monumental stature. And to know you are surrounded by the remains of people who have contributed so much to their country and culture is awe-inspiring, to say the least.