Cağaloğlu Hamamı

The Turkish bath is a long-revered custom, centuries-old; perfect for those looking for a truly physical and spiritual cleansing experience. Cağaloğlu is the last big hamam built in the Ottoman era and was put in the list of 1000 must-see places before you die by New York Times! Turkish baths have been considered an art form for hundreds of years. Step back in time to 1741 for a scrub under the stately domes of Cagaloglu Hamami , a bathhouse popular among locals, tourists and even Hollywood royalty. Close to the massive dome and four minarets of Hagia Sophia (once the world's largest Christian church), Cagaloğlu Hamami was the last hammam to be built during the Ottoman Empire, in 1741, by Sultan Mahmud. By far the most spectacular of Istanbul's hammams, it is absolutely stunning and a must for spa pilgrims, or merely curious tourists. Tourists in search of an authentic hammam are the main customers here, but they are in good company: Florence Nightingale, Kaiser Wilhelm I and Tony Curtis are all said to have come here. As Cagaloglu Hamam is near the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, it is a good place to refresh after a day of sightseeing and exploring. In the old days women and men had separate days to visit, but now it offers separate baths for men and women and a range of services.