Visit the Arab Baths in Palma

Culture in Palma

The bustling city of Palma offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. You’ll find exciting street art, captivating museums, intriguing art galleries, historic buildings, churches, and distinctive architecture throughout the city. For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on free cultural experiences in Palma.

While there isn’t much left from the time when the Moors lived on the island, a few remnants remain. These include ruins from the old mosque beneath the city’s cathedral, La Seu, and the well-preserved Arab Baths in Palma.

The Arab Baths in Palma are remarkably well-maintained given their age, and you’ll find signs pointing to them throughout the old town. If you’re near the Cathedral or the beautiful Bishop’s Garden in Palma, it’s easy to make a quick visit to the Arab Baths.

As of now, the entry fee is 3,5 euros, and the opening hours are 10:00 – 18:30.

The history of the Arab Baths in Palma

When you visit the Arab Baths in Palma, you’ll gain insight into Mallorca’s fascinating history while enjoying a small botanical garden where you can rest. These baths date back to between the 10th and 12th centuries, during the Moorish rule when Palma was known as Medina Mayurqa.

Historians believe the baths were built using recycled materials, including columns and other elements from various Roman ruins. This explains the diverse construction and material of the columns.

Experts suggest that the Arab Baths were part of a Muslim nobleman’s palace, serving both as a bathing place and a social hub for conversation.

With the reconquest of Mallorca by King James I in 1229, much of the Moorish architecture on the island was destroyed. Old mosques were razed to make way for new churches, such as Palma’s cathedral, La Seu. The survival of parts of the Arab Baths in Palma seems almost accidental but offers us a precious glimpse into the past.

More text about the Arab Baths in Palma after the Video section