Maison Carree | Nimes

Information

Landmark: Maison Carree
City: Nimes
Country: France
Continent: Europe

Maison Carree, Nimes, France, Europe

The Maison Carrée is a Roman temple situated in the historical center of Nîmes, France. It is the best-preserved temple of the former Roman Empire, dedicated to the heirs of Augustus, Gaius and Lucius Caesar.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is a hexastyle pseudoperipteral building measuring 26.42 meters in length and 13.54 meters in width. It features 30 Corinthian columns, each 9.6 meters tall, carved from white limestone. The structure is elevated on a 2.85-meter-high podium and is characterized by a deep portico and a richly carved entablature with acanthus leaf friezes.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Place de la Maison Carrée, accessible via the A9 motorway (Nîmes Centre exit). It is a 10-minute walk (800 meters) from the Nîmes Centre railway station. The "Parking Maison Carrée" underground facility provides immediate vehicle access, and the T1 Trambus line serves the "Maison Carrée" stop.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Built between 2 and 4-5 AD, the temple was commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. It was designed according to the Vitruvian principles of Roman architecture. The limestone used for its construction was sourced from the nearby Sernhac quarries.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the interior cella to view a 15-minute documentary titled "Nemausus," which details the Roman history of the city. Guided architectural tours are available by appointment. The exterior steps and surrounding square are used as public viewing spaces.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located in the adjacent Carré d’Art building. There is no shade on the temple steps, though the surrounding plaza features umbrella-shaded cafe seating. 5G cellular reception is excellent throughout the square. Numerous food vendors and pharmacies are located within 50 meters on Rue Auguste.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time for photography is during the late afternoon (Golden Hour) when the sun illuminates the western facade and the portico's Corinthian capitals. The months of April through June offer mild temperatures suitable for exploring the open-air plaza.

Facts & Legends

The Maison Carrée owes its survival to its continuous use since the 4th century, having served as a consular house, a stable, a private residence, and a church. Thomas Jefferson was so influenced by its design that he used it as the model for the Virginia State Capitol in the United States.