Baños Árabes
The Arab Baths are a uniquely Moorish spot in Granada—whether visiting the ancient Arab bath ruins or experiencing a modern restored, oriental-flavored Arab bath (hammam), both are wonderful ways to feel Granada's deep Moorish culture and enjoy a unique relaxation. The Arab bath (Arabic: hammam) is an important tradition in Islamic (Moorish) culture—not only a place to bathe and cleanse, but an important public space for socializing, relaxing and resting, full of distinctive oriental flavor (inside are usually pools at cold, warm and hot temperatures, plus steam and massage, in a dim, comfortable, Moorish-decorated setting). As a stronghold of Islamic Moorish culture in Spain, Granada has deep ties to the Arab baths. Visitors can experience Arab bath culture in two ways: first, visit the ancient Arab bath ruins—Granada preserves precious old Arab bath remains built in the medieval Moorish period (such as the famous El Bañuelo, among the best-preserved and oldest Arab bath ruins in Spain); you can see their architectural structure (vaulted ceilings, star-shaped skylights, stone columns) and learn the bathing culture and life of the Moors. Second, and more popular, is to experience a modern restored Arab bath (hammam)—Granada (especially the old town) has carefully restored modern Arab baths decorated with Moorish flavor and oriental mood, where visitors (after booking) can soak in different-temperature pools, enjoy steam and massage, and sip mint tea in a dim, comfortable, fragrant Moorish setting—a supremely cozy, relaxing, oriental time. Experiencing Granada's Arab bath culture, or personally trying a Moorish-flavored modern hammam, is a unique and pleasant Granada experience.
Historic Ruins & Heritage