The Pantheon and Parthenon are two sacred ancient temples with a rich history.

Have you ever wondered about the differences between the Pantheon and the Parthenon? 

These two ancient temples are often confused, but some key differences set them apart.

Many people get confused between the Pantheon and the Parthenon, especially because they have similar names. 

Here’s a handy guide to help you understand the differences between the Pantheon and the Parthenon. 

Quick Comparison: Greek Parthenon vs Roman Pantheon

Greek Parthenon 

By 126 CE, it is considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order

Built by Iktinos, Kalikrates

It was initially a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena

Today, it functions as a museum and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece

Roman Pantheon

Roman Pantheon

Rome, Italy

It was built in 447–438 BCE

Built by Publius Aelius Hadrianus

Originally a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome (Pagan gods),

Currently, it is a Roman Catholic Church and is open to the general public

Its architectural style is a post-and-Lintel system

Pantheon vs Parthenon: Similarities

Parthenon and Pantheon are both made of marble and have survived the test of time, and they both continue to attract tourists from all over the world. 

The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC and has been used as a temple, a church, and a mosque over the centuries. 

Over the centuries, the Pantheon has served as a temple, a church, and a museum.

The Parthenon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and the Pantheon is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.

Both temples are architectural masterpieces. 

The Parthenon is considered to be one of the best examples of doric architecture, while the Pantheon is considered the perfect example of Roman architecture.

The Pantheon, however, borrows its exterior design from traditional Greek temples like the Parthenon.

These two sites use eight columns to support their pediments.

Both structures have suffered destruction and restoration and were used as churches in the Middle Ages.

A fun fact:
The Pantheon’s religious status saved it several times from theft. However, many parts of the Parthenon were stolen in the 1700s.To know more, read our article on Facts about Pantheon Rome.

Parthenon vs Pantheon: Architecture

When comparing these two iconic monuments, we first notice their designs and architecture.

Pantheon Rome is a circular building with portico-supported Corinthian columns that hold the structure together.

The famous and brilliantly made dome weighs 4535 metric tons, and its weight is distributed by decreasing as it rises to the top.

It is made of several blended materials, like marble, granite, concrete and brick.

On the other hand, the Parthenon Greece is a doric temple supported by ionic columns.

The structure has a rectangular floor made entirely of marble with a limestone base, giving it a solid foundation.

Another unique aspect is the ionic frieze that runs around its exterior walls.

The east side of the Parthenon narrates the story of Athena, while the west part shows the content between the two gods to become the city’s patron god.

They Honor Different Gods

The similarity between the two structures is that they were primarily built to honor and worship gods.

But the contrasting detail is that they were made for different gods.

The Parthenon was built for Athena, while the Pantheon was made to honor Greek gods.

Both structures have different cultural meanings.

For instance, the Parthenon was a victory-celebrating monument, while the Pantheon mirrors the Roman imperial dominion.

The Parthenon originally had a giant statue of Athena inside the Greek temple, designed by the Greek sculptor and architect Phidias.

It was rumored to be 37 feet tall (11.5 meters) and was constructed with gold and ivory.

The statue was made in 438 B.C.E. and was present for 1000 years before disappearing completely.

One is a Church, and the Other is a Museum 

Although both religious monuments are open to the common public today, they still have distinct usages.

This is one of the major points of comparison between the Greek Parthenon vs Roman Pantheon.

The Roman structure, for instance, is still used as a Roman Catholic church.

Its originality remains intact even after so many centuries, even though its interiors have been altered slightly.

Visitors are often left amazed at how well-preserved it is while learning more about its rich history on a guided tour of the Pantheon.

Parthenon Greece today acts as a museum, leaving visitors in awe even with a few broken parts that tell the tale of its survival.

A temple in its past, the Greek structure has taken a complete turn and is not an open space for people to learn about the country’s history.

In this round of the Roman Pantheon vs Greek Parthenon, both are open to the public even in their ways.

The attractions still act as a great way to learn about the religious history of their respective countries.

Both Come from Different Centuries

The Pantheon and Parthenon both temples were built in different centuries.

The Roman structure was built in the second century of A.D., while the Greek frame was constructed much before around 447 B.C.E.

But we can be confident that both were built in a day or two.

The Pantheon was built between 126 AD and 128 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

It symbolized the progress and economic extent of the Roman Empire.

Parthenon, on the other hand, took fifteen years to build.

It was primarily built to celebrate the victory of the Greeks over the Persians.

As Athens led Greece at the time, the structure was constructed as a dedicated temple to the goddess Athena.

History of the Pantheon vs Parthenon

History of the Pantheon vs Parthenon
Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash Photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash

The Pantheon was originally built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC, and the inscription on the front reads“Marcus Agrippa built this when he was consul for the third time.” 

However, the entire Pantheon was destroyed except for this façade, and Emperor Hadrian rebuilt it on the same site in 126 AD.

The original purpose of the Pantheon is unknown, but it is thought to have been a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods.

It was also used as a meeting place for the Roman Senate and as a court of justice.

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. 

It is still used as a church today, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.

History of the Parthenon

The Parthenon was built between 447 and 438 BC by Iktinos and Kallikrates as a temple to Athens’ patron goddess, Athena. 

It was one of the most important buildings in ancient Greece, symbolizing the city’s power and prestige.

The Parthenon was decorated with sculptures and friezes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. 

The most famous sculpture in the Parthenon was the statue of Athena Parthenos, which was made of gold and ivory and stood over 30 feet tall.

The Parthenon was damaged by fire in the 3rd century AD and was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century AD.

In the 17th century, the Parthenon was partially destroyed in a battle between the Turks and the Venetians.

The Parthenon is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece.

Which one is better? Parthenon vs Pantheon

The two sacred and religious structures have similarities and differences but are excellent attractions.

We highly recommend you visit both the sites as they come with their unique and rich history that intrigues many visitors.

Most people are confused with their names, as they sound alike.

However, the Roman and Greek structures are far different in design and architecture.

Although both temples are dedicated to gods (god for Parthenon), these attractions have contrasting roles today.

Regarding the building, visit the Pantheon Rome, which has a more sophisticated structure.

While Parthenon Greece is a museum that gives you a whole experience and insight into the religious and political history of the country.

But when you visit the Roman Pantheon, you also get to attend the masses, which is a great way to experience Roman Catholic life.

Hence, you can visit the Pantheon Rome to see its brilliant structures that have survived for centuries and tell the story of their resilience.

You can even visit the other popular sites like the Vatican, Roman Forum and Colosseum on your trip to Rome.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Roman Pantheon and the Greek Parthenon?

Is the Pantheon in Greece or Rome?

Is Pantheon Greek or Roman art?

Is the Parthenon in Rome or Athens?

Is the Pantheon or Parthenon older?

Is the Pantheon the same as the Acropolis?

What is the difference between the Parthenon and the Acropolis?

Why is it called the Parthenon?

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