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Baños califales - Arabian Baths
The so-called Arabian Baths, or Baths of the Caliphate respectively, let you experience another evidence of Cordoba’s rich islamic history and culture. Restored and opened to the public as a museum in 2006, these baths give a glimpse of the congenial way the ancient city population used to live.
Once, there were countless of these baths in town, since the public bath, or Hammam, played an important role in the lives of the islamic population. Apart from the dedication to do personal hygiene, the baths served as centers for interpersonal contact: Relationships were fostered, contracts were closed, meetings were held etc.
The Baños califales date from the 10th century. Built under the rule of Al-Hakam II and the most important bathhouse in town at that time, these baths served for the sovereign and his court. 1903 they were coincidentally discovered near the no more existing Umayyad residence (Alcázar Omeya), but shortly afterwards filled up. It took up to 1961, when a team of scientists pressed ahead with excavating this architectural treasure.
As every Arabian bathhouse, these baths are divided into various areas, separated by artful arches and columns: changing area, halls with cold, warm and hot water basins, the Andalusian garden and the furnace. All these areas may be explored on a circuit tour. Accompanied by star-shaped rooflights, elegant marble columns and their artful capitals, visitors will immerge into a world from one thousand and one nights and feel one of the most remarkable eras in Cordoba’s history firsthand.
While walking through the museum, information boards and videos deliver respective information and explanations. Voices and light effects as well as aromatic flavors are promising an experience for all senses.
By the way:
Feel like experiencing a real Arabian bath? Then you should not miss Hammam Al-Ándalus, where bathers can relax the traditional Arabian way:
Hammam Al Ándalus Córdoba
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Info
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Location
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Plaza Campo de los Santos Mártires
14004 Cordoba
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Hours
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16 September - 14 June
Tuesday - Friday
8.15 am - 8.00 pm
Saturday
9.30 am - 6.00 pm
Sunday, holiday
8.15 am - 2.45 pm
Closed on Mondays.
15 June - 15 September
Tuesday - Saturday
8.45 am - 3.15 pm
Sunday, holiday
8.45 am - 3.15 pm
Closed on Mondays.
Last admission 30 mins before closure.
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Admission
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3 EUR, reduced 1.50 EUR
Kids under 13 years are free
Free admission with the purchase of the VIP Wristband More Information
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