What is it?
Four stunning fluted Corinthian columns dating from the first century BC soar out of their podium in the most unlikely of places: a back patio of the Mountaineering Centre of Catalonia. Part of the rear corner of the temple devoted to the Roman emperor Augustus (who after his death was elevated to the pantheon), the columns were discovered and isolated from the structure of a medieval building in 1835. The current layout is actually a slight fudging of the original as the right-hand column resided separately in Plaça del Rei until it was slotted next to the other three in 1956. This is a must-see historical sight in Barcelona.
How much are tickets?
Visiting the Temple of Augustus is completely free, with no need to book in advance. You can visit any time during the Plaça del Rei’s opening hours.
What do we know about its history?
The Temple of Augustus was part of the urban landscape of Barcino, the Roman settlement which was located at what is now the heart of Barcelona. The temple was dedicated to Emperor Augustus, who also founded the colony that has since evolved into the present-day city. While it now stands in the centre of Plaça del Rei, the temple was originally built as the focal point of the forum, located at the summit of Mount Tàber. Although its exact dating is unclear, it is estimated that construction began during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.
Though only four columns remain, the Temple of Augustus originally had a total of six columns, arranged in a building that measured 37 metres in length and 17 metres in width. In Roman times, the temple presided over the city’s main square, though it is now somewhat hidden. To reach it, you must go up Paradís Street in the Gothic Quarter, where a millstone at number 10 marks the highest point of Barcino.
Is it well-preserved?
Despite the temple being thousands of years old, it wasn’t discovered all that long ago. Over time, the building deteriorated and became buried under newer constructions. In the 19th century, during works on the headquarters of the Catalonia Hiking Centre, three of the four columns were found. The last column had been discovered years earlier and was displayed in Plaça del Rei. To give a better idea of the temple’s original form, this final column was relocated alongside the others to the space where they remain on display today.
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Translated by Olivia Simpson