Temple of the Public Lares

The purpose of this building is unknown and its identification is disputed.Traditionally it was thought to be the focus of worship of the guardian spirits (Lares) of the town but there is no proof for this. It was completely open on the side looking on to the Forum and could be reached through a portico adjoining the colonnade on the Forum, the bases of which are still visible. The temple had no roof and and in the centre stood an altar, of which few remains can now be seen. In the rear wall a niche where it was proposed that statues of the public Lares stood.