Cağaloğlu hammam
Built on the orders of Sultan Mahmud I in 1741 to the design of the architect Süleyman Ağa, it was the last of the large Ottoman hammams to be built. The Sultan built this hammam to raise proceeds to cover the proceeds of the library in the Haghia Sophia. The layout of the Turkish hammam belongs to the architect Süleyman Ağa but was completed by the architect Abdullah Ağa. The Baroque style of the building sets it apart from the other Ottoman hammams found in the city with its three floors, central marble fountain, overhanging walkways and large dome that will surely leave you impressed. Another incredible feature is the hammam water, which is heated with olive beans from Ayvalık. Cağaoğlu hammam has made it on the New York Times list of “Top 1000 Places to See Before You Die.” Devote a day of your trip to a unique, unforgettable experience, and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Cağaoğlu hammam. A Turkish hammam is a truly rejuvenating experience, and it’s well worth setting aside several hours to get the most out of your visit to Cağaloğlu hammam. It’s always busy, so be sure to make a reservation before you visit.
Çemberlitaş hammam
The fame of Çemberlitaş hammam extends beyond Türkiye, and it is one of renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan’s most impressive works. In this hammam that was constructed around 600 years to complete, you can explore the wonderful subtleties of Ottoman hammam culture. It was built on the orders of Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murat III, and is as understated and elegant as all the other buildings built during the twilight of Sinan’s tenure. The size of the Turkish hammam’s central stone, its 38 basins, cross-scored columns, impressive domes and their decorative holes which allow sunlight to flood in are all details which add to Çemberlitaş hammam’s elegant aesthetic. Famous visitors have only increased the profile of this historical Turkish bath, and it’s been the set of several films too, including Russell Crowe’s The Water Diviner, Taken 2 starring Liam Neeson, and The Accidental Spy starring Jackie Chang. Hollywood aside, let the Çemberlitaş hammam reinvigorate your body and mind with its superb hammam experience.
Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam
A symbol of Tophane, Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam, is another beautiful creation of the great Mimar Sinan. This Turkish hammam was built in honor of the mighty commander of the Ottoman navy, Kılıç Ali Paşa, during the 16th century. Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam houses the second biggest dome in İstanbul; Light floods the hammam through the vaulted domes supported by beautiful pillars. Partake in the traditional Ottoman cleansing ritual, then rest in the relaxation room and sip on some homemade sherbet. Before you embark on your hammam experience, you can purchase any products you require in the hammam shop. After a seven-year restoration period, Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam is open to visitors. Step back in history at the Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam and immerse yourself in an experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan hammam
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan hammam was built by Mimar Sinan in 1556-1557 at the request of Hürrem Sultan, the wife of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman. It is located near the Haghia Sophia Mosque and Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Once an oil and paper depot, as well as a place to house convicts, the hammam was abandoned for many years. Restoration began in 1957-1958 and the hammam functioned as a carpet bazaar until 2008. The new unprecedented feature of Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan hammam was that women and men could bathe together. Another unique feature, designed by Mimar Sinan, is the layout, as the hammam is split into three sections: cold, warm and hot. The cold section consists of VIP Rooms, private rooms, dressing rooms, massage rooms, relaxation rooms, and a boutique shop that sells unique goods. You can find the signature marble slab beneath a vaulted dome in the hot section. After building up a nice sweat in the warm and hot sections, enjoy a nice scrub. For those wanting to grab a bite after, this Turkish hammam also has a restaurant.
Galatasaray hammam
One of İstanbul’s most famous double baths, Galatasaray hammam was commissioned by Sultan II. Bayezid in 1481, as part of a school complex. In 1715, a new hammam was added to the original. Once a hammam that only served men, Galatasaray hammam opened its doors to female visitors in 1965. This hammam has been visited by the likes of celebrities John Travolta and Tony Curtis.
Ağa hammam
Built in 1451 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Ağa hammam was originally built as a house, the top two floors were apartments, with a hammam on the ground floor. After the founding of the Republic it was fully transformed into a hammam and opened its doors to the public. Ağa hammam is located in one of İstanbul’s prettiest neighborhoods, Çukurcuma, and has great peeling, soap bath and massage packages on offer.
A traditional hammam ritual at the historical hammams of İstanbul is just a click away, buy a flight ticket to İstanbul.
