The temple is prostyle (with a colonnade on its front side), with a shallow prodomos and a cella. Inside the latter stood the marble statue of Artemis, made in the 4th cent. BC, which was depicting the goddess wearing a short chiton (tunic) and a fawnskin. Around the temple were pedestals of statues and inscribed stelae dedicated to the goddess. Terracotta figurines and two hoards of bronze coins have also been brought to light.

The cult of Artemis Orthia was established in Sparta, but it was also widespread in Messenia during the centuries of the Spartan conquest. It remained popular even after the foundation of Messene in 369 BC. After the construction of the Asklepieion the temple ceased to function, and the cult of Artemis was transferred to Oikos K.