Arab Baths of Ronda

The Arab Baths of Ronda are a hammam of the 13th and 14th centuries, built on the outskirts of the old medina, next to the arroyo de las Culebras, which supplied its water. Today they are run by the Junta de Andalucía as an archaeological site, with the entrance on calle San Miguel, at the foot of La Ciudad and next to the Puente Árabe. It is a short visit, of about 45 minutes, and is done on foot through the rooms.

Cold, warm and hot water

The baths follow the Roman model: reception, cold room, warm room, hot room and, behind, the boiler room. The central room is the one you remember: three naves separated by four pairs of horseshoe arches, covered with barrel vaults and small domes in which star-shaped skylights open. With sun, the light enters through those stars and draws patches on the floor.

Outside, on the east side, a wall of arches serves as an aqueduct and brings the water from the waterwheel tower, which is well preserved. The boiler area also remains, and remains of the tanneries that were installed when, after the Castilian conquest, the building stopped being used as a bath. The excavations of 2009 and 2010 brought to light a latrine and the access staircase to the old reception. Inside there is a room with a short audiovisual on how an Andalusi bath worked; it holds ten people at a time.

Hours that change with the season

From November to February it opens Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 18:00; Mondays and Saturdays, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00; Sundays and public holidays, from 10:00 to 15:00. From March to June and in September and October, on weekdays it closes at 19:00, and in July and August at 20:00; Mondays, weekends and public holidays keep the winter hours. It is closed on 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 24, 25 and 31 December; for other public holidays, it is best to phone 952 187 119.

Admission costs €4.50; €3 for students under 26, pensioners and groups, and it is free for under-14s, people with disabilities and residents. It is also included in the municipal pass, which also gets you into the Puente Nuevo and the Palacio de Mondragón. Animals are not admitted, except assistance dogs, and to take photos or film you need authorisation from the Junta.

The walk down from La Ciudad

From the Puente Nuevo you walk down through the streets of La Ciudad, by the cuesta de Santo Domingo or through the Puerta de Felipe V, in about ten minutes. It is a steep descent and the return is uphill: it is not a comfortable walk with a pushchair or for anyone who has difficulty walking. While you are down there, take the chance to see the Puente Viejo and the Puente Árabe, and to look at the gorge from its base.

This site's Sunday in Ronda links the Puente Nuevo, the Arab Baths and some tapas in the centre.