The Gymnasium, dating to the 2nd century BC, standing beside the River Kladeos, consisted of an open air quadrangle with Doric colonnades on its four sides. Only the ruins of the southern and eastern side have survived the erosion of the river. The open air area was used year round for training, though the athletes worked under the colonnades during extremely hot or rainy weather. The Palaestra, dating to the 3rd century BC, was a square building with an entrance in the north west corner. Its lower walls were built of stone, the upper of brick. This building was used as place for social meeting, practice, and training. Its four sides were lined with Doric columns and beyond were various rooms with Ionic columns in which the athletes were instructed and prepared for competition. A cistern in the north east corner provided cold baths. As in the Gymnasium, the location of training could vary with the weather. The Gymnasium The Palaestra The Palaestra