Everything You Need to Know About the Moroccan Hammam

Many “must do in Morocco” lists include take a hammam but just what does that mean and why is it such a revered tradition?

Water, and especially hot water was a precious commodity before the era of hot water heaters. In Morocco a practical solution was created to get around this difficulty. The hammam.

Today you’ll find a wide range of hammams in Moroccan cities. The most traditional variety are found in neighborhoods everywhere.

Going to a neighborhood hammam means that the screen of privacy is removed. A local hammam reminds me of a three part locker room shower house.

Visiting a Neighborhood Hammam

On entering you will pay someone, usually a woman at the entrance. If you want to bathe yourself it’s 10-20 dirham, if you want to be scrubbed it’s about 50 dirham.

You’ll then be greeted by the woman who does the scrubbing. Your attendant will bring you into the bathing area and set aside your towel.

Once inside you’ll notice three different rooms. They start with a warm room, than a warmer room and finally the hottest room.  Let her lead the way!

You’ll want to remember only to use your water buckets. They’re filled by spigots in each room and that can mean a wait at times if the hammam is busy.

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