Every age in Thessaloniki’s history has left its mark on the city’s appearance. During the centuries-long ottoman era, the turks built many hamams which were a major part of their culture and lifestyle. Currently, a few of these edifices still exist in Thessaloniki, like the Bey Hamam located in the downtown.
Sultan Murad II initiated the construction of the renowned Bey Hamam baths after the ottomans conquered Thessaloniki in 1430, and it was finished in 1444. These baths were the first of their kind in the city, but not the only ones. The turks deemed these establishments very important; they were not only places for personal hygiene and comfort, but also spots where one could purify their souls. Moreover, the Bey Hamam was a social hub for women, where they could meet, chat and be merry.
For over half a millennium, the Bey Hamam was actively used, even after the turks left Thessaloniki. Familiar to many in the city as «paradise baths», the Bey Hamam is the most iconic and treasured of the remaining ottoman baths in Greece. It currently serves as an attraction for tours, cultural happenings, seminars, and short-term expositions.
The interior of Bey Hamam is more than just a place for purification of body and spirit. Its walls display stunning hues of artistic drawings and paintings. The marble basins, benches, and massage table were all kept intact. In addition, the dome is blessed with a skylight, flooding the historical interior with natural light and providing it with a distinct charm.
The ottoman hamam is an iconic edifice that exhibits clear moorish and arabic design elements. This is evident in the ornate vaults and walls. At the Bey Hamam, there is a permanent exhibit devoted to the building’s history. Additionally, temporary displays on the history of Thessaloniki, such as the 1917 fire and ottoman era, are regularly held.
To make it simpler to navigate, it has two separate entrances; one for men and one for women. The structure of the baths are identical, but the male version is larger and more luxurious. Each area is divided into warm, hot and cold rooms, with cisterns providing water to the back spaces.
Inside, there is a large octagonal cold room with a gallery upheld by columns and a painted dome along with a cool room also featuring a painted dome. Both are equipped with marble benches and swimming pools, and a heating system beneath the floor produces steam.
Be situated in the bustling core of Thessaloniki, Bey Hamam is a convenient walk away from numerous attractions such as Eleftherios Venizelos monument, Roman Forum, church of Panagia chalkeon and Hamza Bey mosque. To reach the destination, start from the Aristotle square and head towards Egnatia street.
The Bey Hamam is regularly not accessible to outsiders and is available during expos. This ought to be remembered while arranging your outing to Thessaloniki. Beside the Hamam is a bistro from which you can observe the renowned edifice and its vault. In addition to the Bey Hamam in Thessaloniki, other similar structures merit a visit. Among the remaining structures are Pazar Hamam, Pasha Hamam, Hamam Yahudi and Yeni Hamam.
