The Crypt

The Panthéon in France is a secular mausoleum that celebrates distinguished French citizens such as Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet), Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, Jean Jaurès, and Marie Curie.

Beneath the great dome lies the crypt where the earthly remains of those who left their mark on our world lay. What is most striking about this contemplative and affecting place is the complete absence of any religious symbolism. It is a tribute of the secular spirit and to those whose drive was to find purpose through their help of others.