Description of the Palaestra (Reg II, Ins 7) The Palaestra is situated south of the Via dell'Abbondanza in the eastern quarter of the city next to the Amphitheatre. A 3D view of the palaestra in relation to the amphitheatre is available, courtesy of the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei. .. .. In the centre of the palaestra was a large swimming pool measuring 37 x 4 metres and varying in depth from 1m at the west to about 3m at the east. ... .. The Palaestra was built during the Augustan period and occupies an enormous area of approximately 140 x 130 metres. It consisted of a central area for sporting activities surrounded by a high wall with entrances to east and west. On the inside, along three sides, was a portico of Ionic columns (pictured below). .. .. A room off the south-west side, with the base for a statue near the back wall, was probably a space dedicated to the cult of Augustus. There was a large latrine on the south-east side. .. The exterior walls, in opus incertum, have paintings in the third style, while the columns are covered in graffiti left by the regular users of the palaestra. .. The open area is surrounded by a double row of plane trees as shown in the photographs, planted as part of a programme to recreate the green spaces of Pompeii using archaeological data. .. The palaestra had been badly damaged in the earthquake of 62 AD and like many other buildings in Pompeii was still being rebuilt at the time of the eruption.

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