Importance of the hammam in Granada
The importance of the hammam in Granada is undeniable because if we know anything about the Muslim culture is that, for them, water is an indispensable element to which they attach great value. A palpable proof of this are the irrigation ditches and the current sewage system. Which was built by the Muslims next to the Alhambra. However, we will now focus on explaining why the Arab baths were so important in the Muslim Granada. We can find several hammams in Granada where you can enjoy a unique moment of relaxation, following the Arab traditions.
HAMMAM GRANADA ARAB BATHS
The origin of the hammam in Granada and in any place where Muslims will leave their mark, we find it in the need to cleanse your body. Before starting the time of prayer. In this way, it could be said that for the Muslim culture the Arab baths fulfilled a hygienic function, but also a spiritual one. Since, it is the best way to enter clean and purified to the moment of the prayer. So important in their religion. This cleanliness was achieved because in them there was a person who with natural soap was dedicated to completely clean the body of the people.
Although as we say its main purpose is related to this spiritual cleansing, it could also be said that the Arab baths had a social function. Men and women entered separately and this made them use them to meet with friends and acquaintances. And while they cleaned themselves and took their baths, they took the opportunity to chat and have a good time.
The process in the Arab baths began in a room with hot air where you begin to breathe deeply and thus relax. In addition, thanks to the heat of the environment, the pores will begin to dilate and a deeper cleansing of the skin can be performed. Afterwards, you move to a much warmer area, such as a sauna. In which it is especially important to control the time spent to avoid low blood pressure. Afterwards, the body should be immersed in cold water and although it is a particularly strong contrast, it is perfect for the skin.
In the last part of the process, in the hammam, a massage and bath with natural soap will be performed to cleanse. To finish, there is a cooling room where after the massage, the body will finish relaxing before leaving the baths.
ARAB HAMMAM IN GRANADA
It is important to keep in mind that for Christians the conception of hygiene was not the same as for Muslims. For them, it was frowned upon and related to perverts and prostitutes. At this time, there was a firm belief that the layer of dirt caused by the total absence of hygiene helped to isolate from diseases and even immunize you. A consequence of this poor hygiene, are some accessories such as fans, hats or even bridal bouquets. With them, they tried to alleviate the bad smell that was generated.
Today we continue to find evidence of the Muslim heritage and the hammams in Granada were not going to be less. Specifically in the Paseo de los Tristes we can find the best of the Arab baths of the entire Iberian Peninsula. The one known as Bañuelo, still maintains the same structure of the baths that already existed at the time of the Romans. Although if you want to know this place and discover many other secrets of Granada and its most Muslim side, we recommend you to take a night Free Tour through the Realejo neighborhood. In it, you will be guided to introduce you completely in this special culture that left so much in Spain.
