The original building of the Gymnasium was formed in the Hellenistic years while the current building was erected in the 2nd century BC. It was a large elongated building with a spacious courtyard in the center and a series of rooms on the west side that probably served as accommodation for the athletes.
What was the Gymnasium in Ancient Olympia?
In the northwestern part of the sanctuary and next to the riverbed of Kladeos are situated the remains of the ancient Gymnasium of Olympia. It is located in the same building complex as Palaistra and according to historians, this was a training ground for athletes competing on the street and in the pentathlon.
The large outdoor area of the yard with a length of 220 meters and a width of 100 meters was used by the athletes for training in javelin and discus competitions.
Unfortunately today, the visitor does not have the opportunity to see the entire monument as its western side has been swept away by the river Kladeos. The surviving part was researched by the latest German excavations and it is visitable to a great extent.