If you visit Nîmes (and why wouldn’t you?) you can’t miss seeing the Maison Carrée (The Square House). It made the news on 18 September 2023, when it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A little history

Nîmes was an important Roman settlement, vital to the Empire’s cultural and commercial activities. The beautifully-preserved Roman temple was completed in the early years of the Common Era (possibly between 12BCE and 4CE), in the time of Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Rome.

The temple was built in a classical style, with fluted Corinthian columns, decorated with intricately carved acanthus leaves. It dominated the forum – the large public and administrative centre of the city. The temple was dedicated to the Emperor’s adopted sons, Gaius and Lucius Caesar.

Over the years, other buildings were put up around it, partially obscuring it. After they were demolished, in the early 19th century, the Square House (which is actually rectangular) was restored, with a new door and ceiling.

From 1821 to 1907, it held the collections of the Fine Arts Museum. The ‘new’ Museum is now just a few minutes away on rue de la Cité Foulc.

In the late 20th century, the temple building was further restored and given a new roof. The square around it (Place de la Maison Carrée) was cleared, making it the main focus of the historical centre of Nimes.

Today the Square House is open to tourists, who can see a film history of the temple, shown in the inner room, and ancient artefacts.

The Square House
The Square House

The Square House: a national treasure

The Square House is now one of 51 French treasures included on the UNESCO list. The city expects the news to attract even more visitors to explore Nîmes and what it has to offer.

At the time of the announcement, the mayor of Nîmes, Jean-Paul Fournier, said:
‘The Square House, so dear to the people of Nîmes and to the citizens of the French Republic, is now the common property of all the United Nations.’

More things to see in Nîmes

See Francy That! article Nîmes: It’s Your French Rome Away From Home.

And make sure to visit these attractions:

  • Amphitheatre (Arènes de Nîmes) on the Boulevard des Arènes
  • Fountain Gardens (Jardins de la Fontaine) on the Quai de la Fontaine
  • The Great Tower (La Tour Magne), the Roman watchtower that was part of the city’s ancient walls, in the Jardins de la Fontaine
  • The markets (Les Halles de Nîmes), 5 rue des Halles; open Mon-Fri: 7am-1pm; Sat: 7am-7pm; Sun and public holidays: 7am-1.30pm
  • Pentecost Fair (Feria) – a week-long festival, held in May/June, featuring al fresco dining, pop-up bars, music, flamenco and street parades.

Further afield

You must see Arles. It’s only half an hour from Nîmes by car: 33.4 km (via A54 and D6113). Trains run from Gare Centre.
The famous and picturesque Pont du Gard aqueduct is easily accessible by car: 24 km; and by bus (Line 21) from the stop near Gare Centre.

See more FrancyThat! suggestions for Places To Go.

Information

Entry cost: 6€ – adults; 5€ – concession; 3 € – children (7-17yrs); 12,50€ – family pass (2 adults + 1 or 2 children). Children under 7 years – free.
Opening times: January, February, November, December: 10am-1pm and 2-4.30pm; March and October: 10am-6pm (closed from 1-2pm in October); April, May, September: 10am-6.30pm; Juin: 10am-7pm; July, August: 9.30am-8.15pm.
You can visit the external areas of the Square House freely, at any time.

Hints

Buy a Pass Romanité, which gives you access to the Maison Carrée, the Arènes de Nîmes the Tour Magne and the fascinating Musée de la Romanité.
It represents a big saving: 17€ – adults; 13€ – concession; 9 € – children (7-17yrs); 48€ – family pass (2 adults + 1 or 2 children).

Website

The official website has information (in French) and superb photos of the Square House.

Getting there

Address: Place de la Maison Carrée, Nîmes
From the Gare Centre (Railway Station) in Nimes: By bus (Line 7) – 5 mins; by taxi – 3 min; on foot (1 km, directly through the historical centre of Nîmes) – approx. 15 mins.