Chifte Hamam Kyustendil, Ottoman bathhouse in Kyustendil, Bulgaria
Chifte Hamam is an Ottoman bathhouse in Kyustendil with separate sections for men and women arranged across two floors. Each side features multiple pools at different temperatures, while the layout shows typical features of Ottoman bath architecture.
The bathhouse was built in 1489 by Sulejman Pasha and stands on the foundations of an ancient Roman thermal site called Pautalia Asclepion. This continuity shows how Kyustendil had long been known for its healing waters.
The bathhouse reflects Ottoman bathing culture, where people gathered not only to wash but also to socialize and relax together. Today visitors can still see the separate sections and understand how important such places were to daily life back then.
The site is best visited with a guided tour to understand the architectural details and how the different sections functioned. Tours provide good insight into how such baths were used in everyday life.
The natural mineral water that supplies the bathhouse contains thermal properties that made Kyustendil a known spa destination. These valuable waters attracted people from distant places seeking healing over many centuries.
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