On Carrer del Paradís in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, the Temple d’August preserves four Roman Corinthian columns in a small courtyard surrounded by later buildings. They are remains of a temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, built when Barcelona was known as Barcino. The quiet space feels strikingly different from the streets outside, and the columns change in appearance when viewed from different angles. Read the information panels in Catalan, Spanish or English, and look for the optical illusion among the stones.
A Roman temple in Barcino
The columns belonged to a temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, dating to the 1st century BC, when Barcelona was the Roman colony of Barcino. The temple once stood at the highest part of the city. Four Corinthian columns survive, preserved within a courtyard framed by later buildings.
The small courtyard is not the original size of the temple. The columns were excavated elsewhere and later brought to this site, so the setting gives you a close view of the remains rather than a reconstruction of the full Roman building.
Looking closely at the columns
The Corinthian columns rise above the courtyard and show the age and texture of the stone. Their setting makes the contrast with the surrounding Gothic Quarter easy to see: Roman remains sit within a much later part of the city.
Take a moment to view the pillars from different angles. An optical illusion becomes apparent from a particular viewpoint. Information panels in Catalan, Spanish and English explain the site’s history and add context to what remains.
Planning a visit
Find the entrance at Carrer del Paradís, 10. The site is free to enter and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. It is a compact stop, but tour groups can make the courtyard feel crowded, so choosing a quieter time can give you more room to look around.
The temple is a good fit if you are exploring the Gothic Quarter and want to see a Roman layer of Barcelona without committing to a long visit. If you want a broader account of the city’s Roman remains, the nearby information panels provide a starting point; the courtyard itself is limited to the surviving columns and their immediate setting.
FAQ
Is the Temple d’August free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free.
Where is the Temple d’August?
It is at Carrer del Paradís, 10, in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
What can you see at the Temple d’August?
The small courtyard contains four Corinthian columns from a Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus. Information panels are available in Catalan, Spanish and English.
How can you spot the optical illusion?
Look at the columns from different angles. The illusion is visible from a particular viewpoint.
