Archaeologists in the Spanish city of Orihuela have uncovered the remains of a well-preserved medieval bathhouse dating back to the 11th century. The discovery was made during restoration work on the historic Rubalcava Palace, when excavation efforts in the building’s north garden—near the Plaza de Santiago—revealed a section of an underground thermal complex from the Andalusian period.
According to the Orihuela City Council, the structure is part of a hot room (caldarium) from an Arab bathhouse. The find was made while preparing the site for a new fire-fighting water tank, prompting the halting of construction and the immediate activation of archaeological protection protocols.
“This is a discovery of enormous significance, both for its age and its excellent state of preservation,” said Matías Ruiz, Councilor for Urban Planning and Historical Heritage. “These are Arab baths from the 11th century, which places us in an early medieval context that broadens our knowledge of the history and heritage of Orihuela.”
A Glimpse into Andalusian Bathing Culture
Preliminary investigations have identified the remains as part of a well-constructed hammam typical of early medieval al-Andalus. Measuring approximately 9 metres by 4.64 metres, the rectangular room contains a hypocaust heating system—an underground network of brick pillars that once circulated hot air from a furnace. Archaeologists also documented a small adjoining alcove and multiple entryways, suggesting that other rooms from the original complex may lie nearby, still buried.
Some of the bricks show signs of reddening, likely from the heat of the original fires that warmed the baths nearly a thousand years ago.
These features reflect the sophisticated bathing culture that spread through Islamic Spain during the Middle Ages, drawing on Roman traditions while adapting to local needs and religious customs. Bathhouses such as this one played a central role in community life, serving not just hygienic functions but also as social and spiritual centres.
Plans for Conservation and Public Access
Following consultation with the Territorial Service of Culture and Sport of the Valencian Regional Government, Orihuela’s project managers have committed to conserving the remains in situ and integrating them into a public heritage display. The originally planned water tank will be relocated to avoid disrupting the site.
City officials now plan to create a museum space that will allow residents and visitors to view the medieval bathhouse. “Our objective is twofold,” Ruiz said. “To complete the restoration of Rubalcava Palace, and to showcase this discovery so that residents and visitors can experience such a unique element up close.” He added that the structure could be illuminated from the outside, allowing for safe and respectful public engagement with the site.
In addition, the city plans to launch a larger archaeological project to fully excavate the complex and assess its extent. A formal museum and interpretation plan will be drafted as part of future cultural budget allocations.
With this new discovery, Rubalcava Palace gains a remarkable link to Orihuela’s Andalusian past, further enriching the city’s medieval heritage and offering a new lens through which to view daily life in 11th-century Spain.
Top Image: Photo courtesy Orihuela City Council
Subscribe to Medievalverse
