The Greek Ministry of Culture announced advances in the third phase of the archaeological excavation, protection, and enhancement project of the Gymnasium in Ancient Olympia after receiving favorable reports from the Central Archaeological Council on the static study of the walls and the drainage and sewage study of the rainwater in the excavated area.
This historic gymnasium, built in the 2nd century B.C. next to the bed of the Kladeos River, is an integral part of the same complex as the palestra. It is distinguished by its large rectangular structure, which is enclosed with a spacious central courtyard surrounded by Doric porticos on all four sides.
The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, emphasized the importance of this project, stating that the excavation and enhancement of the Gymnasium, where athletes trained for the Olympic Games, continue uninterrupted thanks to the constant efforts of the Ministry of Culture through the Superintendence of Antiquities of Elis.
Mendoni noted that after the completion of the first two phases of the project, the focus will now be on the excavation and enhancement of the northern and final part of the Gymnasium, with the upcoming inclusion of the project in the Western Greece Regional Operational Program. She also highlighted that flood protection measures are being implemented to safeguard the monument, given its vulnerable location next to the Kladeos River.
The Minister highlighted that, with the culmination of the excavation of the Ancient Gymnasium, along with the restoration and enhancement projects of important Roman period monuments in Ancient Olympia, such as the Baths, the workshop of Phidias, and the “House of Nero”, the image of the archaeological site will be completed, enhancing the experience and journey of visitors.
The development of this static study was based on conclusions derived from the application of electromechanical and static studies conducted in previous phases of the project, as well as the site evaluation after the second phase, considering the effects of the intense flooding phenomena that occurred in November 2015.
The study’s proposals include cleaning and reinforcing the walls of the excavated area and protective measures for the antiquities, specifically in the western part along the Kladeos River, where the construction of a terrace is suggested to protect the area from potential flooding and prevent soil erosion. The rainwater drainage and sewage project will be completed with the construction of open channels in the walls of the excavated area and the installation of drainage wells.
The western side of the Gymnasium has been eroded by the Kladeos River and is believed to have contained rooms that served as accommodation for the athletes. In the eastern portico, there was an outer wall with an internal double Doric colonnade of 66 columns and another colonnade towards the courtyard with 60 columns. The total length of this portico matched that of the Olympic stadium, allowing runners to train at the same distance they competed in.
Additionally, in the eastern portico was the xystos, a covered track for training runners, whose length was equal to that of the stadium (192.27 meters), while the parallel open-air side corridor, known as Paradromis, offered additional space for training. The preparation of athletes in disciplines such as javelin and discus throwing took place in the extensive outdoor area of the Gymnasium.
This ambitious project will not only preserve a monument of great historical value but also enrich the visitors’ experience by offering a more complete view of the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia.
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