Dome des Invalides, Paris, France

The iconic golden Dome des Invalides stands out in the Parisian landscape. It was built as a Royal Chapel, by order of King Louis XIV, between 1677 and 1706, to glorify the king, the monarchy and its armies. It was inspired by St Peter's in Rome and was built in the Baroque style. 
During the Revolution, it was known as the Temple of Mars but during Napoleon's reign, it became a military pantheon and later the emperor's resting place. In 1821 Napoleon passed away on the island of Saint Helena, where he had been exiled since 1815 and was buried beneath a willow tree. In 1840 king Louis-Phillipe ordered the emperor's body be returned to France. His tomb is made of red porphyry with a green granite base and circled by a crown of laurels with inscriptions of the great victories of the Empire.

Opening hours:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. Nov. to Mar.)
Entrance fee: €12 (Museé de l'Armeé)
How to go: Invalides or Varennes metro stations





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