Kos Ancient Gymnasium

Location: Town

The Hellenistic Gymnasium is part of a complex known as the Western Archeological Zone, which also includes a series of Thermae, the ancient stadium, the Nymphaeum, and a main street with arcades.

The gymnasia were places where young men gathered to engage in sports like wrestling, running and discus throwing, as well as in spiritual activities like philosophy and rhetoric. Thus, they afford a fascinating insight into the daily pursuits of the ancient Greeks, and the importance they placed on both physical and intellectual development.

The structure follows the Doric architectural style and used to consist of an open courtyard surrounded by columns. It is estimated to have been 200 meters long and 120 meters wide. Today, only seventeen of the initial 81 columns have survived, topped by architraves and friezes. During Roman times, thermae were added for the athletes to wash themselves, and new roads were constructed.

The stadium dates from the first half of the 2nd century BC and bears both Doric and Ionic influences. Lying right in front of the chapel of Agia Anna, it was smaller than the gymnasium, while to the south lay the so-called Xystus, which still reflects the grandeur of ancient Kos. It is worth mentioning that Xystus means scraped, alluding to the smooth and sleek surface of this road, which was sheltered and allowed athletes to continue exercising even under bad weather conditions.