Maison Carrée added to UNESCO list

The Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List unanimously on September 18, 2023, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh. This recognition highlights its historical and architectural significance as one of the best-preserved Roman temples.

Ancient temple dedicated to Roman emperors

The temple, built at the beginning of the first century, was dedicated to Caius and Lucius Caesar, the grandsons and adopted sons of Emperor Augustus. It measures 26 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and 17 meters in height, resting on a podium 2.65 meters high. The structure features a frieze decorated with acanthus leaves inhabited by birds, considered one of the most accomplished decorations related to the imperial cult in the early years of our era.

Temple repurposed over centuries

Before being purchased by the Augustinian monks in 1670 to convert it into a church, the temple had long served as a stable. The building's name, Maison Carrée, dates back to the 16th century, replacing the previous name of Capitole. The property passed through inheritance to the Brueys family, who used it as a stable. Local historians note that the columns of the façade still bear notches made for the eaves of a shed, though this detail is primarily found in local historiography.

Multiple historical uses and classifications

The temple's history includes multiple uses: a consular house, a stable, a church, a granary, a prefecture, archives, and a museum. It was first classified as a historic monument in 1840. After the Revolution, it became a granary and a public warehouse, then housed the first prefecture of the Gard department and later the departmental archives. In 1823, it became the first museum in Nîmes.

UNESCO highlights temple's significance

UNESCO describes the Maison Carrée as one of the earliest examples of a Roman temple linked to the imperial cult in the provinces of Rome. The restorations carried out since the 17th century have allowed the temple to regain its original form without major structural changes. However, the authenticity of its original setting, the space of the ancient forum, has been lost.