Arab Baths of Palma de Mallorca, 10th century hammam in Old Town, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
The Arab Baths are a 10th century hammam and one of the few surviving examples of Islamic bathing architecture in the Old Town. The structure has a central circular room with stone columns supporting a dome pierced by star-shaped openings that control the light.
The baths were built during Muslim rule between 902 and 1229 and constructed over the remains of an earlier Roman site. Builders incorporated Roman materials and foundations into their design, blending the two architectural traditions.
The bathhouse shows how medieval Islamic society organized daily routines, with separate spaces for men and women using the facility at different hours. You can still see how the room layout reflects the social customs of that era.
Admission is affordable and includes access to the rooms and the adjacent garden where you can rest between viewing sections. Be aware that the interior is quite dim since most light comes through the star-shaped dome openings, so your eyes need time to adjust.
The dome above features star-shaped perforations that create moving patterns of light and shadow across the stone floor throughout the day. This playful light design was typical of Islamic bathing architecture and transformed the space into a place for contemplation and calm.
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