Arab culture has a strong presence in the Spanish city of Granada. It can be seen in the architecture of the monuments and in certain traditions that remain intact today.
A hammam or Turkish bath is an element of Moorish tradition that reached our country during the years of the Arab occupation. It has regained popularity in Granada and can be enjoyed as a space for relaxation and self-care, with all the benefits entailed.
Cleansing the body and spirit of all sins and impurities is the main purpose of Turkish baths in Moorish culture. Since ancient times, washing the body has been one of the most widespread social activities. Back then, men would meet in hammams to discuss politics, religion and the economy. This ritual was so important that women were also permitted at different hours.
These baths consisted of four areas: The changing rooms, the cold water rooms, the warm water rooms and the hot water rooms. The main room, which was always filled with warm water, is where people spent most of their time after making their way through the massage or steam room.
The decor featured geometric themes and soft lighting created by small star-shaped openings in the ceiling for a relaxing atmosphere and a social space in which to converse. Experts believe that there were many Arab baths in Granada between the years 600 and 800, and today you can treat yourself to this pleasure at any of the city’s hammams.
Hammam Al Andalus
Rebuilt in 1998 on the ruins of an ancient Turkish bath dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, it was the first to open in Spain. It is located behind Santa Ana church, directly in front of the Alhambra.
Of the available services, they recommend starting off with a relaxing bath through the hot, cold and warm waters, and ending in the steam room that recreates the original Al-Andalus hammam.
There are relaxing 15- and 30-minute massages, an exfoliating kessa ritual using a special glove, a relaxing massage with essential oils and an ilbira ritual, which is similar to the kessa ritual but uses hot stones instead.
The hammam is open to children over the age of six and parents must sign a liability waiver.
Calle Santa Ana 16.
Baños Aljibe de San Miguel
The services at this hammam include baths with different temperatures, steam rooms and aromatherapy that primarily uses essential oils from environmentally-friendly crops.
Aromatherapy is a fundamental aspect of this bath and the benefits of essential oils can be inhaled thanks to the burners located throughout the establishment or absorbed by the skin via a massage.
There are also special treatments such as the Boabdil massage for legs, back and shoulders; a body massage with cocoa butter; Al Hákam; and Sheik, in which the body is exfoliated before a massage.
Another ritual is the Sherezade massage using a silk and gold cream.
Children under the age of five are not permitted at this Turkish bath.
Calle San Miguel Alta 41.
Baños Elvira
Emulating Nasrid architecture with vaults and arches, we delve into the authentic essence and Moorish culture that existed in Granada. This hammam features water baths at different temperatures and offers 15- and 30-minute massages.
Tea, fresh juice, fruit and bonbons are available in the relaxation area. Group bookings for the bath area are available for parties of six or more people.
Children under the age of eight are not permitted at this hammam.
Calle Arteaga 3.
A hammam is the perfect way to learn about the ancient Arab culture that became extended throughout our country and an activity that everyone should try when visiting Granada. Ready? 1, 2, 3, relax.
