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Büyük Hamam: A Historic Turkish Bath Experience

Experience centuries of history and relaxation at Nicosia's Büyük Hamam, the only operating original Turkish bath built on a 14th-century church site.

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Büyük Hamam, or the Great Turkish Bath, in Nicosia, is a historical bathhouse dating back to the Ottoman era. Built on the ruins of a 14th-century Lusignan church, it offers a unique cultural and relaxation experience. Descend below street level to discover its serene atmosphere and traditional treatments.

A brief summary to Büyük Hamam

  • Monday 10 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-9 pm
  • Friday 10 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Check the schedule in advance, as certain times are reserved for men, women, or families.
  • Consider booking a traditional massage and scrub for a truly immersive experience.
  • Be prepared to descend a few steps below street level to enter the hamam.
  • Allow at least two hours to fully enjoy the Büyük Hamam experience.
  • Bring cash, as it may be the only accepted form of payment.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Büyük Hamam is located in the old city center of North Nicosia, easily accessible on foot from many central points. From Atatürk Square, walk east along the main road, then turn right onto İrfan Bey Sk. The Büyük Hamam will be on your left, a short distance down the street. Look for the sunken entrance. This final approach is straightforward and within a few blocks of the main square.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available throughout North Nicosia. Simply tell the driver you wish to go to Büyük Hamam on İrfan Bey Sk. Confirm the fare before starting your journey. Fares within the walled city are typically inexpensive. A short taxi ride within Nicosia typically costs around €4.00 as a base fee, plus €1.50 per kilometer.

  • Public Transport

    Local minibuses ('dolmuş') circulate within North Nicosia. Inquire about routes heading towards the Iplik Bazar area. Alight near the Selimiye Mosque and follow the walking directions above to İrfan Bey Sk. Dolmuş fares are very affordable, usually a few Turkish Lira. Bus routes and timetables can be checked at publictransport.com.cy.

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Discover more about Büyük Hamam

Büyük Hamam, nestled in the Iplik Bazar–Korkut Effendi quarter of North Nicosia, is more than just a Turkish bath; it's a living testament to the city's rich and complex history. The site's story began in the Lusignan period when the Church of St. George of the Latins was constructed between 1306 and 1309. This church witnessed significant events, including a devastating flood in 1330 and a conspiracy in 1369 to assassinate King Peter I of Cyprus. Following the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571, the church was repurposed into a Turkish bathhouse between 1571 and 1590. This transformation reflected the Ottoman's efforts to establish their cultural and social institutions on the island. The bathhouse, known as Büyük Hamam, quickly became a vital part of daily life, offering a place for cleansing, relaxation, and social interaction. One of the most striking features of Büyük Hamam is its sunken entrance, a consequence of centuries of urban development that has gradually raised the surrounding ground level. Today, visitors descend approximately two meters below street level to enter the bathhouse, creating a sense of entering another world. The hamam itself is divided into three distinct sections: the changing room ('Soyunmalik'), which retains elements of the original Latin church; the 'Iliklik,' a warm room to prepare the body; and the 'Sicaklik,' the hot room. Today, Büyük Hamam is the only original Turkish bath still operating in North Nicosia, offering a unique and authentic experience for visitors. A visit to Büyük Hamam is more than just a spa treatment; it's a journey through time and a celebration of cultural heritage.

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