The Ottoman baths, also known as Hamam in Turkish, are a fascinating Rethymno attraction. They date from 1670 and are located on Radamanthyos Street in the Old Town. The floor is marble, and there are windows high up on the walls that allow light to enter the rooms. Although the structure has been properly conserved, the baths are not available to the public.
Hamams have a long legacy and are still highly significant to the Ottoman people today. Hamams were built by the Ottomans in every location they conquered. Turkish hamams may now be found all across Greece, with the best preserved being in Rethymno and Thessaloniki.
Hamams are not simply steam baths, but also social meeting areas. The bathing process begins in the warm chamber, where participants are warmed up by a steady stream of hot, dry air. They next proceed to the hot room for a thorough body wash and massage with cold water.
Finally, they go to the chilling room to further rest. They meet other individuals and begin conversing with them. This communication unites the entire society and also serves as a ritual purification. For millennia, this method has remained unchanged.
