Star-scribed Almirall's Baths: Medieval Valencia's Hidden Sanctuary

Fourteenth-century Valencia buzzed with activity, but few bathhouses managed to endure the post-conquest era. One that did was the Almirall’s baths, not intended for nobility but for the ordinary folk. Constructed by Pere de Vila-rasa, this bathhouse became a popular spot for routines, exercise, and social interactions among the affluent, all within strolling distance of the Almirall Palace. Ten modest doors led to a wooden vestibule, offering a glimpse of the bathhouse’s interior. A cool yet humid chamber, boasting ten star-shaped openings under colorful glass, stood out. Adjacent to this chamber lay a warm one, following the Arabic architectural style. With a larger diameter but chillier, it flanked by two columns and topped by an octagonal dome equally decked with star-shaped holes as the sky. This expansive chamber housed the largest of the six baths.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons