A Moroccan hammam is often touted as one of the must-do experiences while you are in Morocco. And for good reason! But what exactly is a Moroccan hammam, and what should you expect if you book one during your journey? Quite simply, a hammam is a form of public bath.
Similar to public baths of many cultures, it includes a steam room and requires the assistance of someone to complete the ritual. The steam room itself is called a hammam, which is where the ritual gets its name. However, generally, the entire building is often referred to as a hammam as well, much like a spa.
In a larger hammam, these may be separate rooms, but in a smaller hammam, it will be the same room, just with added steam to increase the heat.
You will then be slathered in a black beldi soap, made with olive oil, before being scrubbed from head to toe with an abrasive kessar mitt. This will scrub off dead skin, leaving your skin incredibly soft. In Morocco, a hammam is an integral part of every community.
In the Medinas in particular, it is a weekly experience for those who live there. However, the hammam of the locals and the hammam many travelers will experience are vastly different in a few respects. First, the public hammams in the Medina are just that - public. You will be in a room, naked or nearly so , with many other people separated by sex, of course.
