The Arab Baths in

Ceuta Ceuta (, , ; ar, سَبْتَة, Sabtah) is a Spanish autonomous city on the north coast of Africa. Bordered by Morocco, it lies along the boundary between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of several Spanish territorie ...

Spain are medium size medieval

public baths Public baths originated when most people in population centers did not have access to private bathing facilities. Though termed "public", they have often been restricted according to gender, religious affiliation, personal membership, and other cr ...

on the northern edges of the

Medina quarter A medina (from ar, مدينة, translit=madīnah, lit=city) is a historical district in a number of North African cities, often corresponding to an old walled city. The term comes from the Arabic word simply meaning "city" or "town". Histori ...

. This is thought to have been occupied since the 11th century. Archaeological investigations in 2000 and 2004 have shown that the baths had one room for clothes and toilets followed by a cold bath and then a hot bath in a style laid down by the Romans. Other rooms may have existed.

History

The earliest occupation on this site in the northern suburbs of Ceuta's Medina quarter date from the 11th century when remains have been found of a street and domestic construction. It was not until the 12th and 13th century that the two baths were built. Archaeological investigations have shown that the baths had one room for clothes and toilets followed by a cold bath and then a hot bath in a style laid down by the

Romans Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy * Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD *Roman people, the people of ancient Rome *''Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a lette ...

. Some of the barrel vault ceilings have survived by there is evidence that other rooms were constructed but they have since been lost. The building was extended in the 14th century but by the 15th the building was having its stones reused for other projects. It is thought that the arched roofs were once covered in marble. The building was not being used in the 17th century. The baths were discovered during building work on the street and they have since been subject to excavations in 2000 and 2004. the remains are open to the public. They appear incongruous on the modern main road in Ceuta. The baths were recognised as a nationally important monument in 2007.

References

{{Ceuta Buildings and structures in Ceuta Former public baths Bien de Interés Cultural landmarks in Ceuta Marinid architecture Public baths in the Arab world