The Arab baths in Seville They would begin to appear since the arrival of the Muslim people in approximately the year 711, and where Spain would suffer an incredible revolution on a religious and cultural level.
Thanks to this, new buildings would appear throughout the territory; and the arab bath definitely It would be one of the most iconic. So they would soon be built in different points such as Volubilis, Córdoba, Grenade and all Andalusia.
However, this type of bathroom has existed since Umayyad Caliphate in the 7th and 8th centuries (661-750) and were part of his mansions and palaces in the desert in the region of Syria.
And the Arab people bathed in these places in search of purification, and an escape from the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life. They were buildings designed for body relaxation, exfoliation and the general cleansing of Muslims who sought to free themselves from any act carried out against the laws of the Koran.
Today they have become history. And in Seville the last Arab baths would disappear in the 17th century; or so it was thought until now.
What exactly are Arab baths?
The Arab baths They were truly important buildings for the Islamic world; and they were valuable meeting places for society. Not to mention that it helped them meet religious needs in the purification rituals belonging to Islam.
They are also known under the name of Turkish bath, hammam or haman and its name derives from Arabic Alhamma. And all of them are completely valid names to refer to this type of bathroom.
Today, as in ancient times, these baths produce great benefits for the body. And they are usually effective as a treatment for anxiety and stress. In these bathrooms, essences are usually used to give the environment a much more pleasant air and ready for relaxation.
However, Its most important function was to purify not only the body, but also the spirit.. In this way, the Muslim people could attend and arrive “pure” to the prayers in the mosques, so it is normal to find a hammam near the vicinity of these temples.
What are Turkish or Arab baths like today?
Despite its religious importance, today this type of rituals has evolved into a true attraction for all those who love well-being and relaxation.
However, just as in ancient times, these types of baths have pools of different temperatures, massages with aromatic oils and an atmosphere that gives these spaces an air of spa between the dim light of candles, music, and all kinds of comforts designed for the rest of those who visit them.
Or why not? As is the case of the Arab baths located in Seville, can be used as unique decorative elements that transport us to another time and place among beautiful mosaics, paintings and skylights that were introduced by the Arabs during the conquest.
The best Arab baths in Seville
If you are in this beautiful Andalusian city; you can enjoy the experience of know a authentic hammam in Seville. So we want to present you 2 of the most emblematic and magical to visit.
San Marco Santa Cruz
In the heart of Santa Cruz and with a view of the emblematic tower The Giralda you can find the San Marco restaurant. An enclosure that contains 1 of the city's 2 Arab baths, and it is worth noting that It is the most preserved bathroom that exists in Seville.
This select restaurant It is located inside a 12th century haman and will give your evening a totally unique and unrepeatable air. And it seems to have it all: good food, first-class service, and one of the most prestigious locations in the area.
It has been providing unparalleled service to all its guests for more than 30 years, and they have become a reference of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine in the Sevillian territory. And each dish is made by hand and with the most select ingredients in the area. While they also offer a special menu for vegetarians and another for people with celiac disease.
And if we add to this the exquisite decoration of its multiple rooms, we can guarantee you a simply incredible experience that is difficult to match. And delighting your palate while enjoying a window onto the Mudejar architecture of the 12th century is something that should be experienced at least once in your life and that you will surely want to repeat. You can reserve here
Arab Bath Bar Giralda
On Mateos Gago street, we can find the second Turkish bath in Seville. And this time we talk about Bar Giralda; that after carrying out some renovations in the establishment would leave visible a haman of the 12th century that remained hidden and that would be preserved over time thanks to the old remodeling done by the architect Vicente Traver at the beginning of the 20th century.
The discovery brought back wall paintings with beautiful finishes from the time almohad, and make this bar an interesting place to enjoy a few drinks. And of course! From its traditional Sevillian tapas menu.
When you visit them you will find up to 5 spaces or rooms where you can enjoy your evening under the remains of the old Arab bath; except for the terrace. However, this one has spectacular views of the Giralda tower, after which the name of the bar was inspired.
