Built at the beginning of our era (at about the year 5 after JC), this temple dedicated to Caius and Lucius César, grandson and foster son of the emperor Auguste carries(wears) for the XVI-th century the name of Maison Carrée.

Indeed, in former(ancient) French any rectangle with 4 right angles was indicated(appointed) by the square word.

Only temple of the antique completely kept(preserved) world, the Square house seduced by the harmony of its proportions, the elegance of its columns hurt in the Corinthian capital(big top) and in the sharpness of its architectural decoration.

Heightened on her(its) high podium, she(it) dominated the forum of the antique town.

This vast place, centre of the public life of Nimes , was surrounded with a portico tracks of which one perceives still : some bases of columns of the portico are kept(preserved) on the site.

In 1992, the Maison Carrée received a new roof, faithful reproduction of the antique eccentric, composed of big English tiles " tegulae " and tiles(blows) canal " imbrex " molded in the hand.

The terrace of the Square of Art offers a very beautiful sight on this roof as on the very rich and beautiful architectural decoration.

The office of Tourism of Nimes gives the necessary information.

Credit text and photo: Brochure " to discover Nimes " of the Office of Tourism of Nimes