Palaestra derives from the Greek palaio (meaning to wrestle) and describes a wrestling school. Example 1
(or Palestra) A large square or rectangular space, open to the air, surrounded by porticos held up by rows of columns. Such structures were used for athletic training and wrestling. At times associated with Roman Bath complexes. Originally a Greek building type.
A palaestra was a wrestling ground on which the athletes trained for the competitions.
open area surrounded by porticoes, used for exercise, and often forming part of a Roman bath complex
The palaestra was the ancient Greek wrestling school. The events that did not require a lot of space, such as boxing and wrestling, were practiced there. The palaestra functioned both independently and as a part of public gymnasia.