Maison Carrée

Maison Carrée is a Roman temple in Nîmes with six Corinthian columns across its front facade and a rectangular base. The structure sits elevated on a stone platform with interior chambers that once served religious purposes and now function as exhibition spaces.

This Roman temple was built around 2 AD as a gift dedicated to the grandsons and designated heirs of Emperor Augustus. It survived nearly two thousand years of history with its form largely intact, making it one of the best-preserved temples from the Roman world.

This building became a model for many neoclassical structures across Europe from the 18th century onward, influencing how architects designed new buildings for centuries. The harmony of its facade continues to inspire people studying classical architecture today.

The interior welcomes visitors daily with exhibitions about local history and a film on Nîmes' Roman past. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the building and its surroundings involves climbing stairs and walking between rooms.

The original dedication inscription was lost or damaged during the Middle Ages, but a local scholar named Jean-François Séguier reconstructed the text in 1758 by studying remaining fragments. This recovery helped historians understand exactly who the temple honored.

Location: Nîmes

Founders: Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa

Architectural style: ancient Roman architecture, Corinthian order

Length: 28 m

Width: 14 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Fee: Yes

Part of: Nemausus

Address: place de la Maison Carrée

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-18:30

Phone: +33466218256

Website: https://lamaisoncarreedenimes.fr

GPS coordinates: 43.83819,4.35611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:24