Best Arab Baths in Cordoba

While there is truly a lot to see and do in Cordoba, visiting the Arab baths is one of those things you can't miss. A place of leisure and socializing of the Arab culture in the Middle Ages, the Arab baths or Hammam are the distant ancestor of today's Spa. In them, water was responsible for unifying and soothing. For the Arab culture, water is the most important element, the one that symbolizes purity and wisdom, hence these baths were used as places where people talked and even philosophized about the meaning of life, while the water at different temperatures was responsible for relaxing the bodies.

Currently there are only two Arab baths in activity, located very close to the Mosque-Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. Throughout the city have been found remains of other important hammams, which have been put in value and maintained as a museum, but do not function as a bath. Below I will tell you everything you need to know to enjoy the most of the Arab baths of Cordoba.

Enjoy a complete relaxation experience in one of the most traditional and charming Arab baths in the city of Cordoba. Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths of Cordoba were originally Roman baths, built in the 15th century. They were popularly known as Baños de Juan Mendez.

The Arab baths of Cordoba currently have modern facilities, built with very good taste and maintaining the Arabic style, so you can enjoy an absolutely relaxing and different experience. It is the largest Arab bath complex in Cordoba and one of the most important in Spain.

In addition to the three pools with different temperatures (warm, hot and cold) and a steam room, it offers massages, hot stone treatments and other services that will leave you floating. After finishing your session, you will go to a room where you will be served tea, while soft music plays, for total relaxation.

These Arab baths are located in the Jewish quarter, one of the most interesting areas to visit, where every corner has its charm. If you are one of those who like to walk, you can hire a walking tour of Cordoba with experience in the Arab baths of the city, so you can enjoy the city and all the relaxation of the most traditional and exclusive spa.

Interesting facts:

• Where are they located? They are located at Calle Almanzor, 18, La Judería, Córdoba. Being in the heart of the city, very close to the main attractions, you can easily walk there.
• Opening hours: open from Sunday to Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 am.
  10 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Price: it depends on the service hired, but the baths start at 24 euros per person.

Enjoy the experience of feeling like a Caliph or a Sultan in this first class hammam. The Hammam Al Andalus Arab baths are one of the most incredible baths you can visit. Built emulating the ancient tradition of the Arab baths of the Caliphate era, here you can find the peace and relaxation you need.

Located a few meters from the Mosque-Cathedral and the traditional Arab baths of the Pescadería, currently declared of cultural interest, this Hammam has all the experience of pools with different temperatures (warm, hot and cold) and a series of massage services, essences and atmosphere that will make you feel in another world.

Al Andalus Arab baths are one of the best options, not only in the city of Cordoba, but also in other parts of Spain, such as Madrid, Palma, Granada or Malaga. Always offering the best experience to make you feel completely relaxed.

At the moment of entering the Arab baths, visitors are asked to moderate the volume of their voices, in order to maintain a calm atmosphere during the whole time you are inside. You will feel the waters of the Hammam cradle you.

Interesting facts:

• Where are they located? Our offices are located at Calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda, 51, La Judería, Córdoba. Easily accessible from any part of the city, since La Judería is in the historic center of Córdoba.
• Opening hours: open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.
• Price: depends on the service hired, but the baths start at 35 euros per person.

Is it a Spa, a sort of temple? No, the Arab baths are an extremely ancient custom where the aim was to purify the body, while inviting you to relax and chat, converse and socialize with other people. Traditionally, the care and hygiene of the body were a sign of social status, not everyone could access this type of experience, but were reserved for the most select of the Arab ruling class.

Over time, and especially after the arrival of Christianity, these places were transformed into other things, some were inns, taverns, others were simply buried. At present, a large number of ruins of ancient Arab baths have been found, many of them in a good state of preservation.

The Arab baths of La Pescadería have been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in Spain. They were built in the tenth century and then restored in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, but over time, after they ceased to be used, they were buried.

The baths of the Caliphal Alcazar, located at the rear of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, bordering the Jewish quarter, were discovered by chance in the early twentieth century. Nowadays they can be visited, since they have been put in value as a museum. I recommend you to visit this incredible place, although you will not be able to take a dive, you will soak up all the history of the place.

• Relax: The Arab baths of Cordoba are above all an experience for your senses, so I recommend that you relax, it is not a conventional pool, here no one will be watching you, but everyone focuses on their own well-being.
• Wear a bathing suit: It seems a little obvious, but it is worth remembering. Anyway, don't worry, in the two hammams in the city of Cordoba you can buy one, in case you forget it in the hotel room.
• Hydrate yourself: Remember to hydrate yourself both before and after entering the hammam. Drink water, herbal teas, tea or juices. Think that in the steam room your body will lose a lot of liquid, so you must have good reserves. Besides, there is nothing better to purify your body and eliminate toxins than to circulate water, that is to say, to circulate it in and out of your system.
• Medical issues: You must warn before entering the hammam if you suffer from low blood pressure, hypertension or if you are pregnant, since sudden changes in temperature can affect you.
• You should take a shower before entering: Although it may seem redundant, yes, you should shower before bathing. Keep in mind that the hygiene and cleanliness of the pools must be maintained, so it is imperative that you enter previously bathed.
• Bring a bathrobe or robe: After the temperature changes in the different rooms, you will surely want to wrap yourself in your bathrobe and take some time to enjoy a cup of tea and a moment of calm.

Currently only two Arab baths operate in the city of Cordoba. Both are of the best level and therefore highly recommended to live a very pleasant experience. The Arab baths of Cordoba are traditional baths, which have been renovated and modernized to be able to be used again with its original function. The place also has a small hotel, in case you wish to spend the night.

On the other hand, the Arab baths Hammam Al Andalus are modern baths built in the image and likeness of the traditional baths, with all the good taste and quality of a first class center.

Both offer different rooms, so that your body can experience the journey of water, purification and calm. Perhaps the Hammam Al Andalus has some extra services, such as massages with foams and essential oils on hot stones, and a more refined aesthetic, but I must say that both are excellent to give yourself to enjoyment and relaxation.