Constructed in gleaming limestone around 5 CE, this impressive temple was built to honor Emperor Augustus’ two adopted sons. At 25m long, 12m wide and 17m high. it's similar in design to the Temple of Apollo in Rome, with six columns to the front and 11 on each side and 15 triumphal steps (an uneven number was important, as the Romans considered it unlucky to end on your left foot). There's no need to go inside unless you want to watch a rather underwhelming film on Nîmes' Roman history.
Despite the name, the Maison Carrée (Square House) is actually rectangular – to the Romans, "square" simply meant a building with right angles.
