Situated among the green pines, cedars, and lush oak forests of the Aurès Mountains lies El Hamma town in the Northern part of Algeria, Khenchela Province. A mild, Mediterranean climate gives way to picturesque sightings of unique natural landscapes. Among them, you can find a rare gem – an ancient Roman bath that has existed for 2000 years already, and that is classified as a protected national historical heritage. It is called Hammam Essalihine (the bath of the righteous or thermal baths of Flavius) and the historical site is still used today as it was thousands of years ago. Known for its therapeutic benefits, it attracts not only the locals but the tourists from all around the world, also.
More info: About Algeria
Image credits: ACAA
The fresh air of the mountains (1.500 m or 4921ft above sea level) combined with distinguished ancient Roman architecture and therapeutic virtues of the water of the baths attracts almost 700,000 visitors every year.
Image credits: Fouzi Taleb
The waters of Hammam Essalhine spa are known to be pure and extremely rich in minerals. The water’s temperature is around 70°C (158 °F) and it is believed to help with rheumatic, dermatological, as well as respiratory diseases. Of course, like any other respectable spa, Hammam Essalhine offers relaxation treatments, massages, and even hydrotherapy sessions offered by physiotherapists working there.
Image credits: Ghezal Tarek
Hammam Essalihine has two pools – the rectangular one is designed for males, while the circular pool is used by women. The pools are eight meters in diameter and are almost one and a half meters deep. However, despite the place being so popular not only among the locals, but tourists also, it lacks good infrastructure, so it is not that easy to get to this historical building. But we all know those good things take time, right?
Image credits: Fouzi Taleb
What’s most magical about this place to see, is that even after 2,000 years of earthquakes, political instability, economic struggles, and even wars – it still stands proudly and continues the tradition of a daily bathing ritual. The bathhouses are still a very important part of the culture, as they are also used as a social gathering place to discuss the news and matters of importance in a relaxed atmosphere.
Image credits: Abdallah Mosbah
In ancient Roman culture and society, bathing played a huge role – it was a common daily activity and was practiced across a variety of social classes. Today, we look at bathing as a very private and intimate activity, but for Romans, it was a communal activity. Built on the natural hot springs, the Roman bathhouses resembled today’s spas – the Romans understood the benefits of mineral-enriched pure water and its impact on one’s health.