“in the embrace of the hammam, the soul finds its sanctuary”
The Arab Baths (Banys Arab) in Palma are certainly an interesting place to visit if you’re in the old quarter of the city.
I would class them though as an add on place to visit rather than a must see attraction like the Cathedral. In fact they are just down the hill from the Cathedral so they could be an aperitif before the main course.
That said the baths do offer visitors a tiny glimpse back into the golden era of Moorish influence over Spain and the Balearic Islands.
What’s in the Article
A Little History Of The Banys Arab
These Arab baths in Palma are thought to date back to around the 10th century, that’s when the Moors ruled much of southern Spain and the Balearics.
During this period of Spanish history the Islamic culture brought huge advancements in the sciences, art, and architecture.
The Arabs brought with them the idea of the Hammam (Arab baths) They were communal spaces, embodying the Islamic tradition of cleanliness and ritual purification.
Moorish Architecture
So when you visit the Banys Arab remember you’re not entering the AlHambra Palace of Granada here!!
But the Arab Baths in Palma do have faint echo of the Islamic architectural brilliance of their time.
The stonework has eroded over the centuries but you’ll still see the characteristic horseshoe shaped arches and the elegant Islamic aesthetics of vaulted ceilings and elegant columns ( thought to have been reclaimed from an earlier Roman building )
Arab Baths: A Tranquil Retreat
When it was in use the bathers cleansed and purified their body and mind here.
So the baths consist of three principle chambers: a cold room ( the frigidarium ), the warm room ( tepidarium ), and the hot room ( caldarium ). Each room had its specific function in the Muslim bathing ritual.
Back when the Banys Arab were in part of everyday life we can easily imagine their soothing ambiance and the gentle sound of trickling water, a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Cultural Legacy Of The Baths
What you’re seeing in Palma’s Arab baths is the melting pot of diverse cultures in Moorish Mallorca, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted harmoniously.
A rich tapestry of cultural exchange and coexistence.
Should You Visit and Entrance Fee
At the time of writing the entrance fee to the baths is a modest €2.50.
Are they worth taking the time to visit? Definitely. Half an hour is probably enough time to see and enjoy everything then continue your exploration of the old Palma.
Some other interesting places to visit next
Nev xxx
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