Hammam Rome: a journey of purification

Entering a Hammam Rome is like taking a journey back in time, returning to ancient traditions of purification and well-being that date back centuries. With deep roots in Turkish and Middle Eastern culture, the hammam represents much more than a simple bath: it is a ritual that regenerates body and mind. The entrance begins with a warm welcome. As soon as you arrive, you are accompanied to a changing room where you change into a ‘pestemal’, a light cotton cloth typical of Turkish tradition. This moment prepares you for the transition from the outside world to the realm of relaxation. The first room you visit is the tepidarium, a room warm but not too warm, where the body begins to acclimatise to the heat. Here, the enveloping warmth helps to relax the muscles and prepare the skin for the next stages of treatment. You can stay in this room for about ten minutes, allowing your mind to relax and your body to acclimatise to the temperature. The heart is the calidarium, a warmer and more humid room, similar to a sauna. Here, one sits on heated marble benches, and the steam helps open the pores of the skin, promoting deep cleansing.

The wellness path

After spending time in the calidarium, it is time for the scrub. An experienced therapist uses a rough glove called a ‘kese’ to exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and leaving the skin incredibly soft. This treatment not only cleanses, but also stimulates blood circulation, contributing to an invigorating feeling. The last phase of the hammam experience involves a period of rest in a cool room. Here, one can lie down and completely relax, letting the body gradually cool down. Often, mint tea or water is offered to rehydrate, thus completing the wellness experience. The entire ritual offers numerous benefits for physical and mental health. Besides purifying the skin and improving circulation, it helps reduce stress, relieve muscle tension and promote better sleep.