The Pantheon in Paris
The Pantheon, meaning “Every god”
in Greek, is in Paris’ Latin Quarter
in the 5th arrondissement on
the
Montagne Sainte-Genevieve. When the
church was built, it was originally
dedicated to St.
Genevieve. However,
its role and function has changed
over the years. It is now a burial
place and a venue for liturgical
rites.
The beautiful church is one of the
early examples of the neoclassic
style of architecture. Its façade
was designed after the Roman
Pantheon. It is topped with a small
dome patterned after the “Tempietto”
by Bramante.
The architect behind Paris’ Pantheon
is Jacques-Germain Soufflot. He
intended to combine classic
principles with the brightness and
lightness of the gothic-inspired
cathedral. Unfortunately, Soufflot
passed away before the structure was
completed, and his designs were not
completely followed. The
transparency he wanted to attain for
his the cathedral was not achieved.
Despite this, the Pantheon in Paris
is considered as one of the earliest
neoclassical masterpieces and one of
the most significant architectural
feats of its time.
The Pantheon is home to a closely
guarded crypt. Among those buried
are Rousseau, Voltaire, Emile Zola,
Victor Hugo, Jean Moulin and Marie
Curie. Entrance to the necropolis is
strictly monitored and restricted to
the public. Entry is only granted by
a parliamentary act for national
heroes. |
