Banos Arabes de Ronda (Arab Baths of Ronda), Ronda (must see)

The Arab Baths of Ronda (Hammams) were built, some say, in the 12th or 13th centuries. Others claim they date from the reign of Abomelik in the 14th century. The Baths are outside the walls, next to the Arabic Bridge (Puente Arabe).

The exterior of the Arab Baths is mostly intact. The water pump tower and the aqueduct can still be seen. A donkey on top of the irrigator (saqiya) turned a wheel that pumped water from the river to the aqueduct on the bath wall. As one enters the bath compound, a tower with a water channel and access ramp is on the right.

The tower contained a well connected to the waters of the Guadalevin River in the Ronda Gorge (El Tajo de Ronda) far below and the Canyon of Snakes (Arroyo de las Culebras), also far below. Water from the tower emptied to the aqueduct and thence to the baths, there to be heated and sent to the hot rooms of the baths.

The Arab Baths, like Roman Baths, had three zones; cold water, warm water, and hot water. Romans liked to soak in a hot bath, whereas the Arabs would use steam to detoxify. The three areas were separated by four pairs of horseshoe arches supported by brick and stone columns. Star-shaped windows in the vaulted roofs illuminated the scene.

The Arab Baths of Ronda, located on the Molino de Alarcon Street (Calle Molino de Alarcon), are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays times are 10 am to 3 pm.