El Bañuelo, Granada

Nestled in the heart of Granada, Spain, El Bañuelo stands as a testament to the city's rich Moorish history. This well-preserved Hammam, or Arab bathhouse, dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest surviving examples of its kind in Spain. It is a sight of historical significance, offering a rare glimpse into the daily life and culture of the Moors during the time of Al-Andalus.

Hidden away on the banks of the Darro River, just at the foot of the famous Alhambra palace, El Bañuelo is easily overlooked by those unfamiliar with its presence. Once inside, visitors are transported back in time as they walk through the unassuming entrance into a world of ancient relaxation and cleanliness rituals. The bathhouse features several rooms that include a cold room, a warm room, and a hot room, designed to follow the traditional sequence of a Roman bath.

The architecture of El Bañuelo is particularly noteworthy, with its horseshoe arches and octagonal pillars creating an atmosphere of serene beauty and tranquility. The star-shaped openings in the roof are not only aesthetically pleasing but also function as skylights, casting soft patterns of light across the stone floors.

El Bañuelo has survived through the centuries, even after the Catholic monarchs ordered the closure of all public baths in the 16th century, a decision rooted in the fear that such places were being used as meeting spots for conspirators against the Christian rule. Its endurance is a tribute to its historical importance and architectural value.