Temple of Augustus and Livia
A remarkably preserved Roman temple in the heart of Vienne, France, offering a free glimpse into ancient history and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Temple of Augustus and Livia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkably preserved Roman temple in the heart of Vienne, France, offering a free glimpse into ancient history and architecture.
"This 2,000-year-old temple is a stunning relic of Roman history, free to explore and beautiful at sunset. "
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the temple at sunset for breathtaking golden hour photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Free to Wander
Enjoy this historic site for free; no tickets needed to admire its grandeur. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Facade
Center of Vienne
Marvel at the imposing Corinthian columns and hexastyle facade, a testament to Roman architectural prowess.
Sunset Serenity
Exterior of the temple
Experience the temple bathed in golden light as the sun sets, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
A Glimpse of Ancient Rome
Temple grounds
Imagine life in Roman Gaul as you stand before this 2,000-year-old monument, a true relic of the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Free to Explore, Rich in History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the temple at sunset for breathtaking golden hour photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Free to Wander
Enjoy this historic site for free; no tickets needed to admire its grandeur. :ticket:
🏛️ Roman Relic
Imagine ancient life; it's a captivating glimpse into Roman Gaul.
📍 Central Location
Easily accessible in the heart of Vienne, perfect for a quick stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
Catch the temple at sunset for breathtaking golden hour photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Free to Wander
Enjoy this historic site for free; no tickets needed to admire its grandeur. :ticket:
🏛️ Roman Relic
Imagine ancient life; it's a captivating glimpse into Roman Gaul.
📍 Central Location
Easily accessible in the heart of Vienne, perfect for a quick stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Temple of Augustus and Livia for its remarkable preservation and free access, calling it a stunning relic of Roman history. While some find it a quick photo opportunity, others are captivated by its historical significance and architectural beauty, especially during sunset.
"When in Vienne… do as the Romans did! 🏛️
The Temple of Augustus & Livia is over 2,000 years old and still looking gorgeous. From imperial worship to medieval church to Revolutionary theatre – this place has seen it all. And the best part? You can wander up for free and feel like you’ve stepped straight into ancient Rome (minus the toga).
Pro tip: swing by at sunset – the golden light on those Corinthian columns is unreal!"
Franz 'Sonik' Allard
"Just a 25-minute train ride south of Lyon, the Temple of Augustus and Livia stands as one of France’s most remarkably preserved Roman monuments. Erected between 20 and 10 BCE, this Corinthian-style temple was dedicated to Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia, embodying the grandeur of Roman architecture in the provinces . 
Positioned at the heart of Vienne’s ancient forum, the temple features a hexastyle façade with six fluted columns and an elevated podium, reminiscent of the renowned Maison Carrée in Nîmes . Its survival through the ages is attributed to its conversion into a Christian church during the 5th century, later serving various roles including a courthouse and library, before restoration efforts in the 19th century reinstated its classical Roman appearance ."
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
"One of those places that if you’re really into history would be really cool, but if you aren’t you look at it and think “Hey, that’s a cool building!”, take a photo of it, and walk away. Decent way to spend ~5 minutes. Of course, if you’re into this history it is captivating."
Fergus ST
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Temple of Augustus and Livia is conveniently located in the center of Vienne, France. It's easily accessible by foot if you're already in the city. If arriving from Lyon, it's about a 25-minute train ride south.
While the temple is in the city center, parking can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages in Vienne or consider arriving by train to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! The temple is a perfect addition to a day trip from Lyon, with frequent train services making the journey straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Temple of Augustus and Livia is completely free. You can wander around the exterior and grounds without any admission fee.
As an outdoor monument, the temple is generally accessible at all times. However, access to the interior might be restricted if the gates are locked.
There is no entrance fee. The Temple of Augustus and Livia is a public monument that can be admired freely.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the remarkably preserved Roman architecture, including its hexastyle facade with Corinthian columns. It's a fantastic spot for history buffs and photographers alike.
Most visitors spend around 5-15 minutes admiring the exterior and taking photos, especially if they aren't deeply into Roman history. History enthusiasts might linger longer.
Access to the interior of the temple may be limited and depends on whether the gates are unlocked. However, the exterior is the main attraction and is fully visible.
The exterior grounds are generally accessible, but specific accessibility details for the interior (if open) would need to be confirmed on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during sunset, offer the best light for photography, minimizing crowds and creating a beautiful golden glow on the columns.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography of the exterior. However, always be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Its central location in Vienne makes it an easy stop between other family-friendly activities. Pack some snacks and water, as there are no facilities directly at the temple, but the surrounding area offers plenty of options. The visual impact of the grand columns can be quite awe-inspiring for all ages.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
The golden hour, particularly sunset, is highly recommended for capturing the temple in its most atmospheric light. The warm hues enhance the texture of the stone and create dramatic shadows. Early mornings can also yield beautiful results with fewer people and softer light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Temple's History
The temple's remarkable preservation is largely due to its continuous use throughout history. It was converted into a Christian church in the 5th century, a transformation that protected it from destruction. Over the centuries, it also served as a courthouse and a library, before 19th-century restoration efforts aimed to reinstate its classical Roman appearance.
Today, visitors can marvel at its hexastyle facade featuring six fluted Corinthian columns and an elevated podium, a design reminiscent of other famous Roman temples like the Maison Carrée in Nîmes. It stands as one of France's most well-preserved Roman monuments, offering a tangible link to the ancient world.
Experiencing the Temple Today
Many visitors find the temple to be a captivating sight, even if they aren't history experts. The sheer age and preservation of the structure are impressive. A popular tip is to visit during sunset, when the warm light casts a beautiful glow on the ancient stones, making for stunning photographs.
While the interior might not always be accessible, the exterior itself is a powerful reminder of Roman engineering and artistry. It's a place that encourages reflection and offers a unique perspective on the layers of history present in Vienne.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit