Arab baths

The Arabic baths of Palma are the only remaining monuments of the muslem of our island. They are located on number 7 Serra street in the inclosure of the Majurka medina. Having investigated various sources and the limited data in the archive, it has proved impossible to date them presicely; nevertheless, most historians hace agreed that they date from approximately the tenth century. These baths are identical to those which existed in a number of islamic cities: establishments copied from the romans which were used as meeting places and pleasure centers.

The most interesting is a square room with its half-orange dome, twelve columns and twenty five light shafts (most of them still covered).

The lack of similarity among the capitals is particularly interesting owing to the arabic technique of using demolition materials from other buildings whether of roman or islamic origin. This room which we have briefly described is the so called caldanium which was the locale of the hot baths. Its floor was formed of a double layer of pavements separated by spaces through which hot air circulated from the fire place so as to heat the floor and the room (radiant heating system). To intensify the action of certain baths, water was scattered on the upper surface and because of the temperature of the pavement it evaporated rapidly to produce a hot steamy atmosphere.

Next to this room is another which might be the tepidarium with a valtued roof. These baths must have formed part of the palace or the alcázar of a notable arab personage.