The Maison Carrée of Nîmes
By Lisa Garrett
What is the Maison Carrée of Nîmes?
The Maison Carrée is a classical Roman temple in the city of Nîmes, France. It was built in the 1st century AD and is remarkably well-preserved. It was dedicated to the heirs of Emperor Augustus, Gaius and Lucius, who died young.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Making a purchase through an affiliate link will mean a small commission for this website. This will not affect your price.
Why is the Maison Carrée a UNESCO World Heritage site?
The Maison Carrée is a stunning Roman temple. It is remarkably well-preserved and attained its UNESCO status in September 2023.
According to UNESCO, “the Maison Carrée is one of the earliest examples of a Roman temple which can be connected to the imperial worship in the provinces of Rome.”
Additionally, “the architecture of the Maison Carrée and its sophisticated decoration took part, symbolically, in … opening a new golden age bearer of promises of peace, prosperity and stability known by the name of Pax Romana.”
What can you expect on a visit to the Maison Carrée?
I was amazed to find this 2000-year-old temple sitting right in the middle of the city. The temple, with its majestic array of Corinthian columns, is simply incredible and made me feel like I was transported back in time.
As you are entering the Maison Carrée, be sure to look up. The detailed carvings on the ceilings of the portico are amazing, as are the decorative flourishes at the tops of the columns.
The monument’s interior décor is a bit plain, but contains educational displays sharing information about the temple’s history and impact. For example, Thomas Jefferson used inspiration from the Maison Carrée in building the Virginia state capitol in Richmond!
Is the Maison Carrée worth visiting?
The Maison Carrée is definitely worth visiting. Travelers with an interest in Roman history and Roman architecture won’t want to miss this impressive temple. Give yourself about an hour to explore the temple and its exhibits.
Most travelers wouldn’t make a special trip to Nîmes just to see the Maison Carrée. However, since there are several incredible Roman (and later) attractions in Nîmes to explore, the city is certainly worth a visit. Plan at least one full day to see all the Roman sites, which include a colosseum, a Roman watchtower, a museum about Nimes under the Romans, and, a half-hour away, the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is also a UNESCO site.
Tips for visiting the Maison Carrée
If you plan to visit all the Roman sites in Nîmes (which you should), be sure to get the Roman Pass to save some money. This pass will give you access to the Maison Carrée, the Arena of Nîmes, and the Tour Magne, and will cost you less than paying entrance to them separately. Order skip-the-line tickets to the Museum Romanité.
It can get extremely hot in the south of France. The best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons: spring or fall. If you must visit in the summer, avoid midday. Instead, visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the boiling heat and the crowds of summer.
While you’re in the region, don’t miss visiting Arles and Avignon, two nearby UNESCO-listed cities. Arles in particular has a number of important Roman sites.
If you’re staying in Avignon, consider this small-group tour from there that visits Nimes, the Pont du Gard, and a Roman theater in Orange. If you’re staying in Nimes, this 2-hour private tour of the Roman sites might work better for you.
Book your accommodations in Nimes by clicking on the map below:
Where is the Maison Carrée?
The Maison Carrée is located in the historic center of Nimes in the Place de la Maison Carrée. Nîmes is in the Occitanie region in the south of France.
By car: There is no on-site parking at the Maison Carrée, but there are three paid parking garages within a 4-minute walk of the site.
By train: Nimes is also a great choice for a day trip. It is only a 1-hour train ride from Marseille or about a half-hour train ride from Avignon or Montpellier. From the train station, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the Maison Carrée.
For more information about the Maison Carrée, its opening hours and admission fees, see its official website.
Have you been to Nimes? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!