Temple d'August - MUHBA (Temple of Augustus), Barcelona

The Temple of Augustus, formerly a central piece of the Roman colony of Bàrcino, is a significant historical site preserved within the headquarters of the Excursionist Center of Catalonia. Embedded within a Gothic-period building, it features four Corinthian columns, remnants of the only known temple in Roman Barcino. Believed to have been dedicated to Emperor Augustus, the temple occupied the highest position of the ancient city, near the current Saint James's Square.

At some point, it was demolished, and its remains were hidden until the late 19th century when three of its columns emerged at the construction site of Catalonia's Hiking Club. Subsequently, a fourth column was revealed at King's Square and later incorporated into the structure, as it stands today.

According to research, the temple was originally surrounded by 11 columns on each side, including corner columns, with six columns at the front and another six at the rear. The entire building would have measured 17.5 by 44 meters, elevated on a podium approximately one-third the height of the columns. Noted for their fluted design and Corinthian capitals, the columns have been documented since the 14th century, although their origin is subject to various interpretations. Historical figures, from mythical kings to suggestions of aqueduct parts, have been proposed as explanations for their presence.

Although initially misattributed to the Carthaginians, later studies by Modernist architect Josep Puig reaffirmed the temple’s dedication to Emperor Augustus, placing its construction in the early Roman Empire, which indeed correlates with Barcino’s founding during Augustus's rule.

When visiting this site, keep an eye out for helpful photographs and recreations of this ancient landmark.