Temple of Augustus and Livia

The temple of Augustus and Livia

A major stop on the Vienne audio-guided tour, this temple is one of the only entirely preserved Roman temples in France, along with the one in Nimes. Come closer to discover this remarkable witness of the Gallo-Roman period.

A temple of the forum

Built under the reign of Emperor Augustus, in the first century BC, it bears his name combined with that of his wife Livia. It was part of the forum, the main square. During the Gallic Wars, Vienne sided early on with Julius Caesar, who, and then Augustus after him, thanked the city by raising great temples and buildings there.

What to see

Its remarkable preservation is explained by its use as a church throughout the Middle Ages, from the sixth century until the Revolution. It then housed the commercial court, then the museum and library of the city. Listed as a historic monument in 1840 after the visit of Prosper Merimee, it was then restored. Observe its elegant columns in the heart of the city.

Practical information

The temple of Augustus and Livia stands in the centre of Vienne, on the former Roman forum square. Freely accessible, it can be admired at any time from the surrounding square.

To whom is the temple dedicated ?

To Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia, as part of the Roman imperial cult.

Why is it so well preserved ?

Because it served as a church throughout the Middle Ages, which preserved it until the Revolution.