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 baths reflect how bathing was central to daily life and community gathering in medieval times. You can sense the importance these spaces held for residents, beyond just washing, as places where people met and spent time together.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
