The Altis and the Palaestra
The Altis and the Palaestra features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Ancient Olympia. Give it roughly ~120 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~120 min
- Ancient Olympia Ancient Olympia guide
About The Altis and the Palaestra
The Altis, the sacred grove of Zeus at Olympia, beneath the wooded Kronos hill, and beside it the Palaestra, the Gymnasium and the Leonidaion, where athletes trained and guests stayed during the Games.
The Altis was the walled sacred precinct of Olympia, with its temples, altars and treasuries. Just outside it, to the west, lie the Palaestra and the Gymnasium, where athletes trained, and the Leonidaion, a grand guest house.
The whole site is open every day, with longer hours in summer, and one ticket covers it and the museums. The paths are of earth and gravel with little shade at midday. Allow at least two to three hours for the site.
Did you know? By tradition, the first Olympic Games were held at Olympia in 776 BC; historians cannot confirm that date, but the sanctuary was famous by around 700 BC.
How long is a visit to The Altis and the Palaestra?
Set aside roughly ~120 min for The Altis and the Palaestra. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is The Altis and the Palaestra worth your time?
The Altis and the Palaestra is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Ancient Olympia, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Ancient Olympia
Day 1 of the Ancient Olympia in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of The Altis and the Palaestra
Preview the Ancient Olympia tour free in the Gingerguide app.