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The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical monument located in the Latin Quarter, serving as a mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens. Originally constructed as the Church of Sainte-Geneviève, it was completed in 1790, just as the French Revolution began, leading to its transformation into a secular mausoleum.
The Panthéon stands not only as a mausoleum but also as a symbol of the nation's gratitude to those who have contributed to its intellectual and moral prestige. It is a place of memory and reflection, where visitors can engage with the stories of those who have shaped the French identity and legacy. Over time, it has become an essential part of Paris's historical and cultural landscape, reflecting the nation's changing values and commemorating its heroes.
One of the Panthéon's most fascinating features is the Foucault pendulum, first displayed by physicist Léon Foucault in 1851 to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. While the original pendulum is no longer there, a replica swings inside, continuing to illustrate this fundamental principle of physics to visitors.
The Panthéon is the final resting place for many notable French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Marie Curie, and Louis Braille, among others. Their interment here honors their significant contributions to French and global culture, science, and politics.
Designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon's architecture was intended to combine the lightness and brightness of a Gothic cathedral with classical principles. Soufflot's ambition was to outdo the churches of St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London, aiming for a structure that was both grandiose and filled with light. The building is noted for its dome, which is one of the earliest examples of neoclassicism, influenced by the Pantheon in Rome.
Time Zone: Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Weather: Paris has a Western European oceanic climate. The summers are generally warm and pleasant with average temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping to around 1 to 7 degrees Celsius (34 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is fairly distributed throughout the year, with light showers more common.
Population: Paris has a population of over 2 million people within its administrative city limits. The wider Paris metropolitan area has a population of around 12 million, making it one of the largest urban areas in Europe.
Size: Paris covers an area of about 105 square kilometers (40.7 square miles). Despite its relatively small size, the city is densely populated and is divided into 20 districts, known as arrondissements.
Language: The official language is French. While many Parisians speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by the locals.
Currency: France uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to have some cash, especially for smaller purchases in bakeries, open markets, or in areas less frequented by tourists.
Safety: Paris is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any major city, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Tipping: In Paris, a service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants. However, it's customary to leave a small extra tip if you're happy with the service.
Electricity and Plugs: France uses Type C and Type E plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different electrical standards may need adapters.
Water: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink. Many cafes and restaurants will serve tap water for free if requested.
Address:
Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Website: www.paris-pantheon.fr/
Latitude: 48.8463
Longitude: 2.3461