Visiting Napoléon’s Tomb in Paris – Les Invalides
The final burial site of Napoléon is nothing short of spectacular. Louis Visconti created an open, two-level crypt below the Dome of Les Invalides, which is surrounded by murals, sculptures, gold, and other impressive artworks.
To get a close-up view of the crypt, you need to take a walk downstairs and pass through the crypt’s door, flanked by two funerary spirits. They carry symbols of his military, imperial, and civil power: an imperial crown, a hand of justice, an earth globe, and a sword.
The door to access the crypt was made from a cannon used in one of Napoléon’s most famous victories, Austerlitz. Above the door, you can find the inscription of Napoléon’s wish to be buried in Paris.
The surrounding circular gallery is supported by twelve pillars. On these pillars, you can see the Victories sculpted by James Pradier. On the gallery’s wall, ten relief panels celebrate the achievements of Napoleon during his lifetime. The inner chamber houses a partly gilded statue of Napoleon dressed in coronation attire.
The main feature of Napoléon’s tomb is the sarcophagus, situated directly in the center of the crypt, beneath the dome. It is crafted from red quartzite and contains five nested coffins made from various materials.
