Picture: The two years old Hammam in Berne (yes, it is as beautiful as on the picture).
In 2008 I visited the famous Ciagaloglu Hamman in Istanbul (it is in many guide boooks). Despite its grandeur, history and magnificent architecture the visit was a bit of a disappointment, simply because it was so crowded, noisy and touristy (never-mind the grumpy staff). Then when I visited Budapest, another city famous for its Turkish Hamam (public steam baths), another disappointment: all hamams were undergoing restoration and were closed. On a recent visit to Berne by accident I happened to come upon a relatively new Hamam beneath the “Bundeshaus”, the seat of the Swiss parliament. The hamam is situated in a steel structure that housed a gas-tank previously. Two years ago it was beautifully done up. The interior is dominated by a majestic relaxation pool that is crowned by a dome four stories above the pool. The lighting is very pleasing with colorful Turkish lamps and the color-scheme of red, brown and yellow oozes warmth and relaxation. The Hamman is run by an experienced spa operator and they make sure not too many guests frequent the facilities at the same time, which is a big plus!
For more information on the Hamman, visit: http://www.hammam-bern.ch/
For more information about the Cagaloglu Hamman in Istanbul, visit: http://easteatswest.typepad.com/east_eats_west/2008/08/naked-in-istanb.html
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