"Where Great Minds Rest: Discovering Le Panthéon, Paris

#cherryblossom25 Standing tall in the Latin Quarter, Le Panthéon is one of Paris’s most majestic and thought-provoking landmarks. With its neoclassical dome and grand columns, it looks like a temple—because it was built as one. But step inside, and you’ll find something even more powerful: a monument to the people who shaped France. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in the 18th century as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the building was transformed during the French Revolution into a secular mausoleum. Today, it houses the tombs of some of France’s most celebrated figures—Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas, and many more. Inside, you're greeted by soaring ceilings, epic murals, and Foucault’s Pendulum, a mesmerizing experiment demonstrating the rotation of the Earth—first installed here in 1851. The atmosphere is solemn yet inspiring as you walk among the resting places of those who changed the course of literature, science, philosophy, and politics. Climb to the top of the dome, and you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Paris—one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Pro tip: Go early in the day to avoid crowds, and take your time reading the plaques and stories—each one offers a glimpse into the soul of France. #LePantheonParis #ParisHistory #FamousTombs #LatinQuarterParis #ParisLandmarks #GreatMindsOfFrance #HistoricParis #ParisViews #PantheonDome #ExploreParis #ParisMonuments