The public bathhouse of Damascus, also called “the Hammam” is a testament to Syria’s heritage, a tradition that has been an integral part of Syria’s culture for centuries.
Similarly, visiting Hammam is a cultural ritual that goes beyond simple bathing. As a matter of fact, for visitors to Syria, experiencing a Hammam is a must, enjoying a blend of history, culture, and unique relaxation.

The history of Hammam in Syria (bathhouse)

The history of hammam goes back to the Roman era, Syrian bathhouse take their inspiration from the first original bathhouse created by the Roman empire more than 2000 years ago. To clarify, when all the families live together, taking a bath is difficult because of the many family members (The Grandfather, the Grandmother, their sons and daughters, their brother-in-law, their sisters-in-law, and their descendants). For this reason, women and men go to the public bathhouse separately. That’s why, in 1250 there were more than 114 Hammam to use in Damascus itself.

In contrast, nowadays there are about only 20 Hammams because the houses are provided with big bathrooms to shower and the families live separately (Husband and wife with their children). Then again, by the Othman period, the Hammam became a necessity of social life in Syria.

Damascus’s bathhouse is architectural gems

1. Majestic entrance
2. Courtyard: serving as a tranquil waiting area.
3. Domed ceiling.
4. Separate chambers: a sequence of rooms with varying temperatures, including the cold room or so-called (al-barrani) which means outside, the warm room (al-wastani) means the middle room, and the hot room (al-jewani) means the inside.

The many benefits of Hammam:

• Physical and emotional detox.
• Reduce stress and allow deep relaxation.
• Eliminate toxins from the skin by exfoliating it.
• Fight acne through regular cleaning of the skin thus regulating oil secretions.
• Skin rehydration.
• Decrease muscle tension.
• Better sleep, you will notice this effect especially if you suffer from insomnia
• Body and mind connection, have more energy, and feel more balanced.
• Feel fresh!
• Actually, that’s why the Hammam is widely used not only by Syrians but also by tourists, they like to immerse themself in Syrian daily life to try this royal experience.

The Hammam experience in Syria

This journey goes beyond hygiene. Here’s what to expect:
Arrival and preparation: guests are greeted when arrive and directed to a changing room where they change to traditional wraps or towels.
Warming up: you enter a dry hot room to start your journey and get accustomed to the heat, a hot steamy room is designed to sweat away all the body’s impurities, and you will notice your muscles start to loosen up… relax and enjoy the moment.

Steam bath: where you get the traditional Hammam treatment by a trained staff, the treatment Starts by applying a thin layer of soap all over your body, then rinsing with lots of water, the personnel will scrape all your dead skin with a Kessa glove. You will be amazed by the resulting dead skin left on the glove after exfoliation.
Message: This is optional in case you want to relieve the stress

Finally, relaxation: resting room to have some tea, maybe a Shisha, relax, and enjoy refreshment.

The most famous historical Hammam in Damascus

• Hammam Nur al-Din: One of the oldest and most famous bathhouses in the city.
• Hammam Bakri
• Hammam Ammuna
• Hammam Al Malik Al Zahir

Last but not least, there is a tradition in Syria if you are getting married, the groom goes with his friends to the Hammam on the morning of his wedding day to celebrate and have good times together, later his friends help the groom get ready for the wedding.

After all, Visiting a public bathhouse is something new to some people.
Give it a try, it’s an experience you won’t find easily in most countries.

For more information about traveling to Syria, please contact us today! Alternatively, check out our Syria travel guide.