Panthéon, Paris

The Panthéon in Paris stands not only as a striking example of neoclassical architecture but also as a revered memorial to some of France's most distinguished citizens. Situated in the Latin Quarter of Paris, this grand edifice was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. However, it was secularized during the French Revolution and repurposed as a mausoleum, a role it continues to play to this day.

With its facade modeled on the Pantheon in Rome, the structure features a portico of Corinthian columns and a dome that reaches a height of 83 meters, dominating the Parisian skyline. The Panthéon's interior is equally impressive, with its vast open space and intricate artwork. The pendulum of Foucault, which provides visual proof of Earth's rotation, is among the scientific demonstrations displayed inside.

The crypt of the Panthéon is the final resting place of numerous French luminaries, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, and Marie Curie, the only woman interred on her own merits. It serves as a symbol of the nation's respect for the intellectual and cultural contributions of its most remarkable figures.