Echo Stoa, Ancient Greek stoa in Ancient Olympia, Greece
The Echo Stoa is an ancient Greek covered walkway extending approximately 98 meters along the eastern boundary of the Sacred Altis. The structure features a row of Doric columns supporting a roof that created shaded passages for movement through the sanctuary.
The structure was built around 350 BCE and functioned as a boundary between the stadium and the sanctuary. This strategic placement marked where the ancient Olympic races concluded.
This structure served as a gathering place where athletes, spectators, and merchants could rest and socialize during the ancient Olympic Games. The covered colonnade provided shelter from the sun while people moved through the sanctuary.
The ruins stand within the main Olympia archaeological complex with explanatory panels describing the architectural elements. Visitors should expect uneven ground surfaces and limited shade, so comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended.
The structure gets its name from its acoustic properties, where a single spoken word would echo multiple times through the colonnade. This quality made it a notable location for announcements and oral communications during the Games.
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