Square House

The Maison Carrée, in Nîmes

The Maison Carrée is the best-preserved Roman temple in the world, a jewel of Nîmes inscribed on the World Heritage list. The Nîmes audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this masterpiece of ancient architecture, in the heart of the city.

The best-preserved Roman temple

Built in the first century, the Maison Carrée is the only temple of the ancient world entirely preserved. In Corinthian style, standing on a high podium, surrounded by elegant columns, it served for the imperial cult and dominated the forum of the Roman city. A model of harmony that inspired many architects, it is one of the finest testimonies of Roman architecture and an emblem of Nîmes, inscribed on the World Heritage list.

What to see

You admire the Corinthian temple standing on its podium, its elegant colonnade and its perfect harmony, a witness of the Roman imperial cult. The Maison Carrée is the best-preserved Roman temple in the world and an emblem of Nîmes. It is a major stop for lovers of ancient architecture.

Practical information

The Maison Carrée lies in the heart of the city centre of Nîmes, facing the Carré d'Art, reachable on foot. You admire its exterior freely from the square; the visit of the interior has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Why is the Maison Carrée exceptional?

Because it is the only temple of the ancient world entirely preserved, a Corinthian masterpiece of the first century, inscribed on the World Heritage list.

Where is the Maison Carrée?

In the heart of the city centre of Nîmes, facing the Carré d'Art.