Located on the banks of the Darro River in the Albaicin neighborhood of Granada is El Bañuelo which is built on the site of what used to be an Arab Bath. The bath, also known as Baño del Nogal or Hammam al-Yawza, was built during the reign of Zirid kings in the 11th century.
It was originally intended to be a meeting place for the residents with different shifts for men and women, who would visit the bath for a haircut, massage, or relaxation. After the conquest of Granada by Catholics, the bath lost its significance and formed a part of the Christian home that was built later on the same site.
The bath comprised several rooms in a sequence that were used for cleansing and purification of the body and soul according to the Islamic tradition. The first room upon entering from the Christian house is an alfresco reception or relaxation room with a square water basin.
The next is the steam room which has three chambers - cold room, warm room, and hot room based on different water temperatures. The unique vaulted ceiling with skylights, brick arches, and marble columns at the El Bañuelo Museum add to its beauty and magnificence.
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