Bey Hamam (Paradise Baths) — Attraction in Municipality of Thessaloniki

This is an old Ottoman bathhouse dating back to the 15th century when the Turks ruled Thessaloniki. It is considered to be one of the most important of the few remaining Ottoman buildings left in Greece. The bathhouse catered for both men and women although each had a separate part of the building. There are quite a few of the rooms open to view and you can easily imagine people sitting around against the cool walls chatting or doing business deals while waiting for their massages and treatments. The original massage table is still in place. A number of the rooms have partial frescoes still visible giving a hint of how grand a place this was back in the height of its popularity. Entry is free and it is well worth a look. The building is currently also used as an exhibition space. It is located very close to the...

Bey Hamam is the most majestic and impressive baths in Thessaloniki, known as Paradise Baths, are located on Egnatia Street near Aristotelous Square. The first Turkish baths were built in 1444 by the Ottomans of Thessaloniki. They are considered to be the most important baths in Greece. The hammam has separate facilities for men and women. Its main features are its characteristic domes, which internally and externally draw the admiration of visitors, and the richly decorated Sultan's Hall. The locals continued to use it, under its new name of Loutra Paradisos ("Paradise Baths"), until 1968. Now restored, it hosts regular exhibitions. We were impressed with the beautiful architecture both from the outside and from the inside. The entrance is free....

The baths were built in 1444 by the Sultan Murat II, known by the name "Bey", from which they received their name. They continued to operate until 1968 as the "Paradise Baths". Today the baths serve as an exhibition venue. The hamam, which is the largest preserved in the Greek world, preserves a fair number of elements from its...