• The plan took form of a Greek cross, with four naves of equal length, and monumental dome over

er the crossing in the center, and a

classical portico with Corinthian columns and a peristyle with a triangular pediment on the main facade. The design was modified
five times over the following years, with the addition of a narthex, a choir, and two towers.
• The floor plan shows a Greek-cross layout, 110m long and 85m wide (361 x 279 ft). The large dome reaches a height of 83m (279ft).
The portico, with large Corinthian columns was modeled after the 2nd century Pantheon in Rome.
• The dome features three superimposed shells, similar to the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Iron reinforcements were added to
strengthen the structure even more.
• The dome is actually three domes, fitting within each other. The first, lowest dome, has a coffered ceiling with rosettes, and is open
in the center. Looking through this dome, the second dome is visible. The outermost dome, visible from the outside, is built of stone
bound together with iron cramps and covered with lead sheathing, rather than of carpentry construction, as was the common
French practice of the period.
• Concealed buttresses inside the walls give additional support to the dome.
• The massive dome was supported by pendentives rested upon four massive pillars. Critics of the plan contended that the pillars
could not support such a large dome. Soufflot strengthened the stone structure with a system of iron rods, a predecessor of modern
reinforced buildings. The bars had deteriorated by the 21st century, and a major restoration project to replace them is being carried
out between 2010 and 2020.
• The ceiling was supported by isolated columns, which supported an array of barrel vaults and transverse arches.
• The foundations were laid later due to economic problems.
• The large crypt, covering the whole surface of the building accommodates the vaults of great French public figures. Some of the
most famous buried here are Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Jean Monnet, Marie and Pierre Curie and Emile Zola.
• https://www.thingstodoinparis.com/attractions/pantheon/history/the-construction-of-th
e-pantheon
/

• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pantheon-building-Paris-France

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on