Banos Arabes (Arab Baths), Girona (must see)

Not far from the Girona Cathedral, you'll find the Arab Baths. This public bathhouse is a remarkably preserved stone structure. Christians constructed the facility in 1194. Medieval Muslim baths and the baths of ancient Rome were the inspiration for the Arab Baths, though the architectural style is mostly Romanesque.

Visitors can explore the five rooms of the Arab Baths on a self-guided tour. The first room you enter, perhaps the grandest, is the apodyterium or dressing room. It was a place used for changing clothes and socializing. The cold room, known as the frigidarium, was enclosed by two double doors to keep the bath water cold. It was meant to be used at the end of a bathhouse visit.

Next, you'll find the warm room called the tepidarium. This room was a place that boasted more comfortable temperatures for relaxing, conversing, or enjoying a meal. The caldarium was the hottest room, similar to a hot sauna or steam room. In the adjoining furnace room, an ancient central heating system known as a hypocaust helped heat the caldarium and keep it steamed up!

The establishment functioned as a bath until its closure in the 15th century. Thenceforth, it had passed into private hands and been put to different uses. In 1617, a Capuchin convent used the building as a pantry, kitchen, and laundry. Throughout the 19th century, the term “Arab Baths” got firmly attached to the site.

More recently, the baths gained fame as The Baths of Braavos featured in the acclaimed Game of Thrones series. One of the prevalent themes in season six is the hunting of Arya Stark by the waif. You may remember the iconic chase scene through the city which culminates in a terrifying climax. At one point, while fleeing from the waif, Arya ends up entering the baths, trying to hide.

When in here, make sure to pay a visit to the rooftop as you will enjoy some truly incredible views from up there, including the stone-domed skylight.