Banys Arab

Arab baths
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Banys Arabs (Arab Baths)

'' These 10th century baths are virtually all that remain of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa. They were probably part of a nobleman's house and are similar to those found in other Islamic cities. The tepidarium has a dome in the shape of a half orange, with 25 round shafts for sun light, supported by a dozen columns. Notice how each of the columns is different - they were probably salvaged from the ruins of various Roman buildings, an early example of recycling. Hammams were meeting-places as well as wash-houses, and the courtyard with its cactus, palm and orange trees would have made a pleasant place to cool off after a hot bath."

The amasing cactus tree
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The baths are quite small and not restored, so might be of interest to the specialist but the adjoining garden provides respite from the heat of the narrow surrounding alleys. One very tall (3 metres) cactus fascinated me because it has a trunk which appears like a normal tree.

Carrer Can Serra 7 * Tel: 971721549 * Tel: 9.30AM - 6.00PM. Entry fee 1.50 Euro

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_baths_in_Palma_de_Mallorca