Arab Baths of Jaén

About Arab Baths of Jaén

The baths were built in the 11th century. At the end of the 16th century Fernando de Torres y Portugal, Count of Villardompardo and Viceroy of Peru, built his palace over them, and they were forgotten until 1913. Restoration ended in 1984 and won a Europa Nostra medal. At about 450 square metres, they are the largest Moorish baths open to visitors in Spain.

The route follows the bathers' sequence: the vestibule with its alcoves, the cold room, the warm room, the largest space, with horseshoe arches on columns under a dome, and the hot room. Above, the palace houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs and the International Museum of Naïf Art, included in the free visit.

Entry is free and individuals need not book; groups reserve by email or phone. It opens Tuesday–Saturday and holidays 09:00–21:00 and Sunday 09:00–15:00, closed Mondays; last entry is an hour before closing. It is a 10-minute walk from the cathedral; park in the centre, as nearby spaces are scarce. Allow 1–1.5 hours. The baths are in the basement, reached by steps; ask staff about wheelchair access.

The cool baths are a good choice for a hot afternoon. Weekday mornings bring school groups, while late afternoons are quieter. Walk back through the old Magdalena and San Juan quarters.

Arab Baths of Jaén in pictures

What you’ll find

• ExhibitionExhibition visitTicket
• Free entryFree visitFree
• Monument visitSelf-guided visit (09:00–21:00)Ticket

Nearby places to visit

The Museum of Popular Arts and Customs of Jaén (same building) occupies the Palacio de Villardompardo and is included in the visit. The Museo Íbero, Jaén (700 m) displays Iberian sculpture and finds from across the province, and Jaén Cathedral (800 m) is a short walk south through the old town. Above the city, the Castillo de Santa Catalina, Jaén (600 m as the crow flies) is reached by road and has wide views. Further afield, the Roman city of Cástulo (33 km) near Linares and Baeza Cathedral (38 km) make easy day trips.