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 socialising in the Arab culture of 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 of the elements, symbolising purity and wisdom, which is why these baths were used as places where people talked and even philosophised about the meaning of life, while the water at different temperatures was used to relax the body.

Only two Arab baths are still in use today, located very close to the Mosque-Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. The remains of other important hammams have been found throughout the city, which have been restored and maintained as a museum, but they do not function as baths. Below I will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of the Arab baths in 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 the Baths of Juan Mendez.

The Arab baths of Cordoba now have modern facilities, built with great taste and maintaining the Arabic style, so that 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, there are 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 own charm. If you are one of those who like to walk, you can book a walking tour of Cordoba with experience in the city's Arab baths, so you can enjoy the city and all the relaxation of the most traditional and exclusive spa.

Useful information:

• Where are they located? Our offices are located at Calle Almanzor, 18, La Judería, Córdoba. Being right in the centre of the city, very close to the main attractions, you can easily walk there.
• Opening hours: open from Sunday to Friday from 10am to 12am and Saturdays from 10am to 2am.
  10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Price: depends on the service you hire, 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 just a few metres from the Mosque-Cathedral and the traditional Arab baths of the Pescadería, currently declared a site 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.

The 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.

When 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 cradling 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, as La Judería is in the historic centre of Cordoba.
• Opening hours: open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to midnight.
• Price: depends on the service hired, but baths start at 35 euros per person.

Is it a spa, a kind of temple? No, the Arab baths are an extremely ancient custom in which the aim was to purify the body, at the same time as inviting you to relax and chat, converse and socialise with other people. Traditionally, the care and hygiene of the body was a sign of social status, not everyone could access this type of experience, but it was 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. Today a large number of ruins of old 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 10th century and then restored in the 14th and 15th centuries, but over time, after they were no longer used, they were buried.

The baths of the Caliphate Alcázar, located at the rear of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, bordering the Jewish quarter, were discovered by chance at the beginning of the 20th century. They can now be visited, as they have been turned into a museum. I recommend you to visit this incredible place, although you won't 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 wellbeing.
• Wear a swimming costume: It seems a bit obvious, but it's 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. Remember that in the steam room your body will lose a lot of liquid, so you must have good reserves. Besides, there is nothing better for purifying your body and eliminating toxins than water circulating in and out of your system.
• Medical issues: You should advise before entering the hammam if you suffer from low blood pressure, hypertension or if you are pregnant, as sudden changes in temperature can affect you.
• You should shower before entering: Although it may seem redundant, yes, you should shower before bathing. Bear in mind that the hygiene and cleanliness of the swimming pools must be maintained, so it is essential that you enter the pool bathed beforehand.
• Bring a bathrobe or dressing gown: After the temperature changes in the different rooms, you will probably want to wrap yourself in your bathrobe and take some time to enjoy a cup of tea and a moment of calm.

There are currently only two Arab baths operating in the city of Cordoba. Both are of the highest standard and therefore highly recommended for an extremely pleasurable experience. The Arab baths of Cordoba are traditional baths, which have been refurbished and modernised so that they can be used again with their original function. The place also has a small hotel, in case you wish to spend the night.

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

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 for indulging in enjoyment and relaxation.