Arab Baths of Girona, Medieval bathhouse in Old Town, Spain

The Arab Baths of Girona is a medieval bathing complex with separate chambers designed for different bathing purposes. The structure features a changing room with barrel vaults, an octagonal central pool beneath a dome, and connected rooms with varying water temperatures.

The bathhouse was built in 1194 as a public facility for the medieval city. It sustained damage during a French siege in 1285 but was restored by King James II in 1294.

The name "Arab Baths" only became popular in the 19th century; the building is a Christian Romanesque construction modelled on North African Muslim baths. In the 13th and 14th centuries a separate room served the Jews of Girona for ritual bathing, and King Alfonso II had already assigned part of the bath revenues to an institution linked to the cathedral in 1194.

The baths are located in the Old Town and are easily accessible by foot from other city attractions. The interior is compact enough to explore in about 30 to 45 minutes without requiring a lengthy visit.

The eight columns supporting the central pool each have differently carved stone capitals featuring plant and animal designs. These artistic details reveal the craftsmanship that builders put into even practical bathing spaces.