"Arabic Baths inside a Convent" Elche Things to Do Tip by gOdOtPm

The Arab Baths in Elche were created in the XII century. Although they are the only public baths that remain preserved, at the time they were built there were a big quantity of them. By then, a high quantity of public baths was considered a sign of social and economic prosperity. The original aim of the Arab Baths was to purify the body of the religious before the prayer (as the Koran obliges). According to Prophet Mohammed, “Cleanliness is an act of faith”.

After year 1270, the city of Elche suffered severe changes due to the rule of the King of Castilla. Infante Don Manuel told the monks of the Orden de la Merced to build a convent over the ruins of the baths and until few years ago, that was the function of this building.

The visit to the Baths is short but nice. It's over ten minutes long and a voice and a simple set of colour lights explain how they used to work and what was their functions. The show is usually in spanish, although there is the possibility to chose among catalan, french and english.

From Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00 to 13.00 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h. TICKETS for 1€, (individual) 0,5€ (groups). Sunday and non labour days: 10.30 to 13.30 h. FREE ENTRANCE.
Closed on Mondays.

Address: c/ Eres de Santa Llúcia, 13
Directions: Very close to the Basílica de Santa María.
Phone: 965 45 28 87