Maison Carrée
The Maison Carrée: the world's best-preserved Roman temple, a breathtaking testament to ancient architectural genius.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Maison Carrée
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Maison Carrée: the world's best-preserved Roman temple, a breathtaking testament to ancient architectural genius.
"A masterpiece of ancient Roman architecture, this is considered the best-preserved Roman temple in the world."
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The exterior is the star! Get shots from different angles, especially during golden hour.
🎟️ Support Preservation
The entrance fee is modest and helps maintain this ancient marvel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Exterior
Front Plaza
Marvel at the best-preserved Roman temple globally, a testament to ancient architectural genius.

Corinthian Columns
Temple Facade
Admire the intricate details of the six Corinthian columns that define its iconic hexastyle facade.

Historical Context
Interior Exhibition Room
Learn about its dedication to Gaius and Lucius Caesar and its transformation through centuries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The exterior is the star! Get shots from different angles, especially during golden hour.
🎟️ Support Preservation
The entrance fee is modest and helps maintain this ancient marvel.
🚶♂️ Explore Nîmes
Don't just see the Maison Carrée; Nîmes has other incredible Roman sites!
💡 Read Up Beforehand
Knowing its history enhances the appreciation of its architecture.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The exterior is the star! Get shots from different angles, especially during golden hour.
🎟️ Support Preservation
The entrance fee is modest and helps maintain this ancient marvel.
🚶♂️ Explore Nîmes
Don't just see the Maison Carrée; Nîmes has other incredible Roman sites!
💡 Read Up Beforehand
Knowing its history enhances the appreciation of its architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Maison Carrée as a stunningly preserved Roman temple, a true architectural masterpiece. While the exterior is universally admired for its beauty and historical significance, some find the interior exhibition to be limited, with an entrance fee for what is essentially a brief historical overview. Despite this, many feel the experience of witnessing such an ancient and intact structure is well worth the modest cost.
"A masterpiece of ancient Roman architecture, this is considered the best-preserved Roman temple in the world, symbolizing the era of Pax Romana. Constructed between 16 BCE and 4 CE, it was dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, adopted sons of Emperor Augustus, serving as a temple of imperial cult worship. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was repurposed as a town hall, church, and storehouse. From 1821 to 1907, it housed the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which contributed to its preservation. The temple features a hexastyle façade with six Corinthian columns and a pseudoperipteral layout—engaged columns along the cella walls creating the illusion of a full colonnade. Its harmonious proportions and refined decorative elements have inspired many later buildings, including the Virginia State Capitol (USA) and La Madeleine in Paris.
※ Included in the Pass Romanité."
Seokjin Ham
"There are 2 sides to this review.
1. Stunning architecture, a building that has stood for 1000’s of years passed the passage of time for of that it’s well worth the visit.
2, however there is nothing inside than the very informative information boards in one room that you pay €5 and queue for 20 mins.
I get the contribution to upkeep,
More interesting from the outside."
Graham Reynolds
"It's a beautiful building to admire from ancient Roman times. The exterior looks impressive and it's located in a lovely spot in Nîmes. I didn't see the inside because there was an entrance fee and I was told there wasn't much to see.""
Joost Huls
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Maison Carrée is centrally located in Nîmes, France. It's easily accessible on foot from most hotels in the city center. If arriving by train, the Nîmes train station is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk away. Taxis are also available.
While there isn't direct parking at the temple itself, several public parking garages are within a short walking distance, such as the Arènes de Nîmes parking.
Absolutely! Nîmes is a fantastic day trip destination from cities like Avignon or Montpellier. The Maison Carrée is a central attraction, easily combined with other Roman sites like the Arena of Nîmes.
Many visitors recommend exploring Nîmes on foot to fully appreciate its Roman sites, including the Maison Carrée, Arena, and Maison Carrée. Consider purchasing the Pass Romanité for access to multiple sites.
Yes, Nîmes has a bus network, and many routes will bring you close to the city center where the Maison Carrée is located. Walking from the train station is also a popular and easy option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to go inside the Maison Carrée. While you can admire its exterior for free, the ticket grants access to the interior exhibition rooms.
The entrance fee is typically around €5, which contributes to the upkeep and preservation of this ancient monument. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website or inquire locally.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, it's open daily, but it's advisable to check the official Nîmes tourism website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any potential closures.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site. For peak season or if you want to guarantee entry without queuing, checking for online booking options might be beneficial, though it's not always necessary.
Yes, the 'Pass Romanité' often includes entry to the Maison Carrée, the Arena of Nîmes, and the Tour Magne, offering a cost-effective way to explore the city's Roman heritage.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find informative boards detailing the temple's history, its construction, and its significance. It's a relatively small exhibition space focused on historical context rather than artifacts.
Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes at the Maison Carrée, including time to admire the exterior and briefly explore the interior exhibition.
Yes, its sheer age and preservation are impressive. Even if you're not an architecture enthusiast, understanding its historical context makes it a fascinating site.
While there might not be daily guided tours specifically for the Maison Carrée, Nîmes offers guided walking tours that often include this monument as part of a broader exploration of Roman Nîmes.
The exterior is the main photographic draw. Early morning or late afternoon light offers the best conditions. Try different angles from the surrounding plaza to capture its full scale.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Maison Carrée is located in the heart of Nîmes, surrounded by numerous cafes, brasseries, and restaurants offering various cuisines. You'll find plenty of options within a short walk.
No, food and drinks are generally not permitted inside historical monuments like the Maison Carrée to preserve the site.
Nîmes cuisine features Provençal influences, with dishes often including olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and seafood. Look for local specialties like 'brandade de morue' (salt cod purée).
You can find more affordable options by looking for bakeries offering sandwiches or quiches, or smaller cafes away from the main tourist squares.
The streets surrounding the Maison Carrée are dotted with charming cafes perfect for a coffee break. Enjoying a coffee at an outdoor table is a classic Nîmes experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide beautiful, soft light that enhances the temple's stone. Midday sun can be harsh, creating strong shadows.
Photography of the exterior is generally allowed and encouraged. Inside, while photos are usually permitted, it's always good to check for any specific signage regarding flash or professional equipment.
Experiment with wide-angle shots from the plaza to capture its full scale. Closer shots focusing on the Corinthian capitals and friezes also yield great results.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical monuments due to safety and privacy regulations. It's highly unlikely to be permitted.
Its exceptional preservation, symmetrical design, and the warm hue of its stone make it incredibly photogenic. The surrounding plaza also offers good vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the Pass Romanité if you plan to visit multiple Roman sites. The Jardins de la Fontaine offer a pleasant space for kids to run around and explore, with ancient Roman ruins integrated into the park. Pack snacks and water, as exploring Roman sites can be tiring for little ones.
🏛️ History Buffs
Combine your visit with the Arena of Nîmes and the Tour Magne to fully grasp the scale of Roman influence in the region. Nîmes itself is a treasure trove of Roman artifacts and architecture, making it a prime destination for anyone fascinated by ancient history.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand scale of the temple and the intricate details of its Corinthian capitals and friezes. The surrounding plaza provides ample space for varied compositions. While the interior is less visually dramatic, it offers opportunities for capturing historical displays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Maison Carrée
This temple was dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons and adopted heirs of Emperor Augustus. It served as a center for the imperial cult, a form of worship that honored the emperor and his family. Over the centuries, its function evolved dramatically: it was used as a town hall, a church, and even a granary, which ironically contributed to its remarkable preservation. The Musée des Beaux-Arts was housed within its walls for a significant period, further safeguarding its structure before its current role as a preserved monument.
Visitors often remark on the sheer longevity and pristine condition of the Maison Carrée. Unlike many ancient ruins, it remains largely intact, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Roman urban planning and religious life. While the interior provides historical context, the true 'wow' factor for many lies in standing before this ancient structure and contemplating its millennia-spanning existence.
Nîmes: A Roman Legacy
Exploring these sites together provides a comprehensive understanding of Roman life in Gaul. The Pass Romanité is a highly recommended ticket that grants access to the Maison Carrée, the Arena, and the Tour Magne, offering excellent value for those interested in delving deep into the city's history. Many travelers find that Nîmes is an often-overlooked gem in the South of France, offering a more tranquil experience compared to some of its more famous neighbors.
Beyond these major monuments, remnants of Roman infrastructure, like the Jardins de la Fontaine, which incorporate ancient Roman baths and a temple, further showcase the city's Roman past. Walking through Nîmes feels like stepping back in time, with its Roman architecture seamlessly integrated into the modern urban fabric.
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