The Saint Geneviève basilica, which became the Panthéon during the French Revolution, is both a beacon and a cavern, a majestic ensemble of late 18th century architecture, and an emblem and living witness to 250 years of French history. As a magnificent example of 18th century architecture the Panthéon is considered a model construction, bringing together, according to a scholar of the Age of Enlightenment, "the lightness of construction of Gothic edifices with the purity and magnificence of Greek architecture".
