The Arab baths have their origins in Roman times, the thermal baths. They were public baths attended by those who could not afford the luxury of having one at home, especially commoners. Their function was above all recreational and as a meeting place.
The Hammam Andalusí, or Arab bath in Al-Andalus, was born from the mixture of Roman hydraulic engineering with the contributions made to it in the Islamic period.
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The History of the Arab Baths of Cordoba
Experts speak of around 700 public baths spread throughout Córdoba, which were used by both men and women, each at a specific time. They were not only a place for purifying the body, but above all, and above all, a social centre where they went to socialise and rest.
As a rule, they were laid out in the same way as the Roman baths. First they went to a changing room and from there, to the cold, warm and hot water rooms where the wood-fired oven was located, which created a kind of sauna and distributed the heat through a series of ceramic pipes on the floor. The largest room was always the one with warm water as it was where they spent the most time, it was the meeting room.
The ornamentation was based on plastered walls with geometric shaped tile skirting boards or marble slabs, all giving a simple and serene air of relaxation. Ventilation and lighting was discreet with skylights enclosed with coloured glass to create a starry sky. As a curiosity, they were banned by Queen Isabella the Catholic due to the bad reputation that baths acquired at that time.
What Arab Baths are there in Cordoba?
Nowadays, Cordoba has several examples. We will highlight some of them:
Arab Baths from the Caliphate Period
Belonging to an archaeological site, these Arab baths were part of the old Andalusian Alcazar or Caliphate palace. They are located just opposite the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, in the Campo Santo de los Mártires square.
Arab Baths of Santa Maria
The famous 11th century Arab baths of Santa Maria, located in the famous Jewish quarter of Cordoba, are from the public baths of the Islamic period, which you can visit with our Monumental Cordoba Guided Tour. They are exceptionally well preserved and today you can see a flamenco show inside them at Arte y Sabores de Córdoba.
Hammam Al-Andalus
If you want to enjoy some relaxing Arab baths, Hammam Al-Andalus is the ideal place, located at Calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda, 51. A spectacular place that as soon as you pass through its doors you are transported to the exotic Orient.
The Hammam, in addition to the three general rooms, has a steam room, a rest room and a hot stone room, a traditional ritual performed in Al-Andalus. It also offers a wide range of services.
What are the opening hours?
It should be noted that the baths of the Caliphate Alcazar are closed on Mondays. The general opening hours are from Tuesday to Friday from 8:30am to 8:15pm, Saturdays from 8:30am to 4:00pm and Sundays and public holidays from 8:30am to 2:00pm. The general admission fee is €2.50; from 0 to 13 years of age, admission is free; for students up to 26 years of age, the price is €1.25. And a fact that will surely be to your liking is that Thursdays from 18:00 until closing time are free (except on public holidays).
On the other hand you can check the best guided tours of Cordoba in the link, you will find our best guided tours such as:
Free Tour Cordoba
Guided Tour Alcazar of the Christian kings
Guided Tour Medina Azahara
And much more…
