Paris Top 30 Attractions - One-Two-Go Paris: The Quick Guide to Paris 2015 - page 200

Top 30 Attraction 18 Panthéon
The Pantheon was originally built as a church between 1758 and 1790 but, after many
changes, now functions as a secular mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished
French citizens. When you stand in front of it you will feel and see that this is a remarkable,
grandiose building with its facade modeled on the Pantheon in Rome and surmounted by a
dome. The structure contains 22 Corinthian columns that mirror Greek culture.
The French designer Soufflot had the intention and ambition to outdo the churches of St.
Peter in Rome and Saint Paul's in London and created one of the most important architectur-
al achievements of its time and the first great neoclassical monument.
Shortly after the Pantheon was built, as an expression of gratitude to God, came the French
Revolution and the Revolutionist government changed the church into a mausoleum to bury
exceptional Frenchmen in its crypt.
It is located in the lovely Latin Quarter, well known for its student life, lively atmosphere
and bistros. When you visit the Pantheon you should also make sure that you take some time
to stroll around the area and experience the unique atmosphere of this neighborhood.
It's also notable that the Pantheon was the tallest structure in Paris until the Eiffel Tour took
over in 1889.