What is the difference between the Pantheon and the Parthenon?

The Pantheon is a Roman temple in Rome, built around 126 AD, whose name is usually read as "all the gods" and which has been a Catholic church since 609 AD. The Parthenon is a Greek temple in Athens, built between 447 and 432 BC, dedicated to the goddess Athena. They differ in country, century, religion, and architecture — the Pantheon has a giant concrete dome, the Parthenon has an open colonnade with no roof today.

Are the Pantheon and Parthenon the same building?

No. They are two entirely different buildings in two different countries, separated by ~1,050 kilometres and roughly 550 years of history. The confusion comes from the similar Greek roots of their names.

Which is older, the Pantheon or the Parthenon?

The Parthenon is much older. Construction began in 447 BC and finished in 432 BC. The Pantheon standing today was begun under Trajan and completed under Hadrian, usually dated to about 113–126 AD — some 550 to 600 years later.

Is the Pantheon in Athens or Rome?

The Pantheon is in Rome, Italy — specifically at Piazza della Rotonda in the historic centre. Athens has the Parthenon, on top of the Acropolis.

Do you need a ticket for the Pantheon and the Parthenon?

Both now charge admission. The Pantheon in Rome costs €7, with free admission for all visitors under 18 and on the first Sunday of the month, and a €2 reduced rate for EU citizens aged 18–25. The Parthenon is entered on the Acropolis site ticket; check the current Greek Ministry of Culture rate before travelling, as it changes by season.

Which one should I visit first?

If you're in Rome, visit the Pantheon — it's free-standing in a busy piazza, takes 30 minutes, and is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings on Earth. If you're in Athens, the Parthenon is the crown of the Acropolis and takes 2–3 hours as part of the wider ancient citadel visit.

Pantheon vs Parthenon: What's the Difference? (2026)

The Pantheon in Rome — often confused with the Parthenon in Athens — The Pantheon in Rome — a domed Roman temple that survives exceptionally complete, despite alterations and restorations. The Parthenon in Athens is a roofless Greek temple.

TL;DR — Quick Answer

Pantheon (Rome)

Roman, begun under Trajan and completed under Hadrian, usually dated c. 113–126 AD. The name is usually read as "all the gods", though the exact ancient dedication is debated.

Circular rotunda with a giant concrete dome and open oculus.

Survives exceptionally complete, despite alterations and restorations, and is used as a Catholic church today.

Parthenon (Athens)

Greek, 447–432 BC, dedicated to Athena.

Rectangular Doric temple with columned porches — no dome, no roof.

An archaeological ruin, damaged by an explosion in 1687.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute	Pantheon (Rome)	Parthenon (Athens)
Location	Rome, Italy (Piazza della Rotonda)	Athens, Greece (top of the Acropolis)
Built	Begun under Trajan, completed under Hadrian, usually dated c. 113–126 AD	447–432 BC (Pericles' Athens)
Age today	~1,900 years	~2,460 years
Dedicated to	Traditionally read as "all the gods"; the precise ancient dedication is debated. Christian since 609 AD as Santa Maria ad Martyres	Athena Parthenos, patron goddess of Athens
Style	Roman — portico + circular rotunda with concrete dome	Greek — rectangular Doric colonnade, no dome
Roof today	Surviving 43m concrete dome with central oculus	Open to the sky (roof destroyed in 1687 explosion)
Function today	Working Catholic church + monument	Archaeological ruin, no active worship
Ticket	€7 (free for all under 18 and on the first Sunday of the month; €2 for EU citizens 18–25)	Acropolis site ticket — check the current official rate
Visit time	30–45 min	2–3 hours (with Acropolis)
Famous for	The world's largest unreinforced concrete dome	The Elgin Marbles debate + peak of Classical Greek architecture

Why Are the Names So Similar?

Both names come from ancient Greek roots. Pantheon means "all gods" — from pan (all) + theos (god). Parthenon means "of the maiden" — from parthenos, an epithet of the virgin goddess Athena.

So the Pantheon's name points towards all the gods — ancient sources are not explicit about which cults were actually housed there — while the Parthenon was built for one Greek goddess. Similar linguistic shell, entirely different meaning.

Heads up: the Pantheon does not offer an official skip-the-line entrance. Everyone uses the same access procedure. Third-party products may bundle the official €7 admission with a guide or audio experience — check exactly what's included before booking.

Pantheon Entry + Audio Guide

Best for: Independent visitors

~30–45 min

Official €7 admission with a digital audio guide covering the dome, Raphael's tomb and details most visitors miss. Timed entry, explored at your own pace.

Timed entry + audio guide
Self-paced exploration
Raphael's tomb & oculus details
Cancellable per vendor's terms

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Pantheon Guided Tour

Best for: History enthusiasts

~45 min – 1 hour

Small-group tour with a licensed guide who explains Hadrian's engineering, the Agrippa inscription and the artists and kings buried inside.

Professional live guide
Timed entry included
In-depth commentary
Multiple languages available

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Pantheon + Attraction Bundles

Best for: Full-day explorers

~2–3 hours

Combine Pantheon entry with Castel Sant'Angelo, Navona Underground or other nearby sights. May offer convenience, but compare the total price with booking separately.

Pantheon timed entry
Second attraction included
Compare against separate bookings
Flexible scheduling

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Which One Should You Visit?

If you're going to Rome

Visit the Pantheon. It's in the historic centre at Piazza della Rotonda, takes only 30–45 minutes, costs €7 (free for under-18s), and is arguably the best-preserved Roman building in existence. Combine with the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona in a single afternoon.

If you're going to Athens

Visit the Parthenon as part of the Acropolis complex — plan 2–3 hours and go early morning (before 9 am) in summer to beat both crowds and heat. The Acropolis Museum at the base is essential context.

If you can do both on one trip

Rome → Athens is a common 2-week Mediterranean itinerary. Visiting both back-to-back gives you an unmatched view of how Roman engineering (concrete, arches, domes) evolved from Greek aesthetics (columns, symmetry, marble).

Common Mix-Ups to Avoid

"The Parthenon in Rome" — doesn't exist. You mean the Pantheon."The Pantheon in Athens" — doesn't exist either.Searching "Parthenon tickets Rome" — you'll want Pantheon tickets, priced at €7, sold officially through the Musei Italiani system.Assuming both are Greek — only the Parthenon is Greek. The Pantheon is Roman.Assuming both are open-air ruins — the Pantheon still has its dome and roof.

Continue Reading

The complete Pantheon (Rome) guide Pantheon map & nearby attractions What does "Pantheon" actually mean?Pantheon tickets & visitor info