Roman Provincial Forum, Archaeological site in Mérida, Spain

The Roman Provincial Forum is an archaeological site in Mérida featuring temples, porticoed buildings, and structures from the early imperial period. The complex displays how a Roman city was organized, with spaces for government, religion, and public life.

The porticoed square was built in the 1st century AD under Tiberius, when imperial cult worship was promoted in provincial capitals. It was entered through the granite Arch of Trajan at the end of the cardo maximus. Under Claudius the complex received marble decoration. After Christianity became official, the temple lost importance, was closed and dismantled, and its remains were reused in houses.

The precinct was dedicated to the imperial cult established under Tiberius, not to Diana. The temple's remains lie in Calle Holguín, and after Christianity became official the temple was closed and dismantled, its stones reused in houses built against its base.

The site is open for self-guided exploration, with information panels helping visitors navigate the different areas. Morning or late afternoon visits work best to avoid the heat and crowded times during the day.

The forum's identification is debated: archaeologist Almagro Bash proposed a second, provincial forum in 1976, and the 1983 discovery of imperial temple remains on Calle Holguín supported the idea. Some researchers argue it was a public square for imperial cult, not a forum, since it held no administrative or legislative buildings.