It was accessible via a long upward flight of steps from the flattened area or proscenium below, where the goddess's festival games and plays were staged.

A coin of Faustina the Elder is thought to show the same temple, with curved roof and a flight of steps.

The goddess' meteoric stone may have been kept on a pedestal within the temple cella; or incorporated into the face of a statue and set on a pediment.

[4] This stone was known as the acus Matris Deum or the needle of Cybele, described by Servius as being "conical in shape, of a deep brown color" with the appearance of molten rock and sharp to a point.

[6] The temple pediment is shown on the Ara Pietatis relief, which represents Magna Mater in aniconic mode; her empty throne and crown are flanked by two figures of Attis reclining on tympanons; and by two lions who eat from bowls, as if tamed by the goddess' unseen presence.