Arab Baths of Jaén

In the Islamic globe, cleansing the body is a religious responsibility that every Muslim must do prior to each of the five daily prayers. Since not all residents might afford to have a bath in their homes, public baths or hammams were widely readily available. The Arab baths of Jaén are one of the largest well-known examples of Andalusi bathhouses.

The complicated has four major areas: the altering space (Bayt al-maslaj) features a floor covered with white marble and a ceiling with 18 star-shaped skylights. The cold room (Bayt al-barid) additionally has a half-barrel with 15 skylights. The cozy room (Bayt al-wastani) is covered by a big dome, which hinges on arcs sustained by eight columns. The hot space (Bayt al-sajum) is located closest to the central heating boilers. Concealed chambers permitted warm air to distribute, warming up the floor and walls. This is also covered with a half-barrel vault illuminated by 15 skylights and alcoves at each end.

Because not all citizens can manage to have a bathroom in their homes, public bathrooms or hammams were extensively readily available. The Arab baths of Jaén are one of the biggest known instances of Andalusi bathhouses.

In the 16th century, Don Fernando de Torres y Portugal, the Matter of Villardompardo and Viceroy of Peru, built himself a personal palace on top of the baths, which resulted in them being hidden for centuries. They were only definitively rediscovered by Enrique Romero de Torres in 1913 throughout a study of historical buildings in the city.

Reconstruction functions started in 1936, however they were disrupted by the start of the Spanish Civil War. In 1970, job returned to on the structure, and restoration was finished in 1984. Today it is open to visitors as a historical tourist attraction as part of the Villardompardo Palace.

Referred to as Hamman al-wallad (” the bathrooms of the boy”), they were built in 1002 during the caliphate duration, where old Roman baths were located. The bathhouse was reconditioned during the Almohad period in the 12th century. After Ferdinand III overcame the city in 1246, the bathrooms were utilized throughout the early years of Christian guideline till they were repurposed as tanneries.

Recognized as Hamman al-wallad (” the bathrooms of the kid”), they were developed in 1002 throughout the caliphate period, where old Roman bathrooms were situated.