The huge open plaza on your right a few hundred meters after the entry gate was initially built by the Greeks in the second century B.C. as a gymnasium. As the most important sporting structure of Cyrene's upper terrace, it was bounded on four sides by Doric columns and the open exercise area, was the sight of races and other sporting competitions.

In the second half of the first century AD, it was transformed by the Romans into a Forum, where political gatherings were held. In its Roman expression, the complex contained a civil basilica and a temple. Entrance was through two enormous gateways with four Doric columns. Now stripped of their major decorations, the open spaces wear a decidedly deserted air.