Hammam Al Jadeed
History
Hammam Al Jadeed is the largest and most important bathhouse in the historic city of Saida, situated in the area known as “Hammam Al Jadeed District.” It was constructed in 1720 AD by Mustafa Hammoud, as indicated by the poetic inscription above its entrance. The hammam ceased operations in the late 1940s and was later reopened in May 2019 as a cultural and heritage site by the Sharqy Foundation for Cultural Development and Innovation.
The structure features impressive decorative elements and includes a spacious entrance hall along with several smaller rooms designated for bathing. Its architectural details clearly reflect Ottoman design, particularly in the domed ceilings of the bathing areas, which are punctuated by small stained-glass openings.
Hammam Al Jadeed is located on a main street surrounded by several important historical and tourist landmarks, now referred to as Hammam Al Jadeed Street. This street extends from the Land Castle in the south to the Sea Castle in the north and is also known as “Aal Hammoud” Street. It encompasses several districts, including Al Share’a, Hammam Al Jadeed, Mar Nicolas, and Bazerkan.
Architecture
The Hammam has a huge courtyard topped with a large and high dome, and a beautiful marble pool at the center surrounded by benches in order to rest, take off clothes and get the bathing items like towels and soap before entering the bathing sections.
The Hammam consists of several rooms made of sandstone, covered with Arabic lime to preserve the heat, topped by domes of Ottoman structural design evident in the details, especially in the circular multi-bathroom domes, some held on triangles in corners and others on Al-Mokarnas, where they are interspersed with holes of glazed glass, allowing the dazzling light to pass through.
Architecture
The Hammam has a huge courtyard topped with a large and high dome, and a beautiful marble pool at the center surrounded by benches in order to rest, take off clothes and get the bathing items like towels and soap before entering the bathing sections.
The Hammam consists of several rooms made of sandstone, covered with Arabic lime to preserve the heat, topped by domes of Ottoman structural design evident in the details, especially in the circular multi-bathroom domes, some held on triangles in corners and others on Al-Mokarnas, where they are interspersed with holes of glazed glass, allowing the dazzling light to pass through.
Today
After 70 years of Hammam Al Jadeed's closure, Sharqy Foundation for Cultural Development and Innovation took the initiative to launch the rehabilitation of Hammam Al Jadeed to transform it into a leading cultural, educational, artistic and touristic heritage center in Saida, Lebanon, and across the Middle East.
Following 12 months of preparations, Hammam Al Jadeed was reopened to the public in October 2020 and has since hosted tens of art exhibitions, music performances, community workshops, film screenings, and educational programs - featuring two resident art exhibitions, "Revival" and "Roots", by renowned British artist Tom Young.
Photo Gallery
Virtual Tour
To enhance accessibility and provide a more immersive understanding of the space, we have developed a 3D virtual tour that allows visitors to explore the location remotely in a realistic and interactive way. This digital experience enables users to navigate through the site at their own pace, offering a comprehensive view of its layout, architectural elements, and spatial composition.
Through this virtual tour, visitors can closely observe the design details, materials, and historical character of the space, gaining a deeper appreciation of its heritage and atmosphere. It serves as a valuable tool for those who are planning a visit, as well as for individuals, researchers, and partners who wish to learn more about the site from anywhere in the world.
By bridging the physical and digital experience, the 3D virtual tour reflects our commitment to making cultural and heritage spaces more accessible, while preserving and showcasing their significance in an engaging and innovative manner.
