Turkish Bath (Hammam) in Sofia: Kese Scrub, Foam Massage & Rituals

A real Turkish bath in the centre of Sofia: marble, steam and a kese scrub that takes off more dead skin than you thought you had. Start with the classic 45-minute peeling, or go further with a foam massage, a Sultan massage by two therapists, or a full Moroccan ritual. Towels are provided. Open every day from 7:00 to 22:00, a short walk from Lion's Bridge metro.

What happens in a hammam

You start in the heat of the marble room, which opens the pores and softens the skin. Then the therapist scrubs your whole body with a kese, a coarse silk mitt, and the dead skin comes off in rolls. A soap wash follows, often with a foam massage, and you leave with skin softer than it has been in years. The whole thing takes 45 to 120 minutes, depending on the treatment.

Your first time? Start here

Go for the Oriental Peeling (45 minutes, €40). It is the base of every hammam visit and the best way to see if you like it. Want the full experience? Special Hammam Care adds a foam massage with fresh flowers, a hair wash and a head massage for €56.

Hammam for couples

Book two treatments at the same time, or take the private spa apartment with its own Turkish bath, sauna and jacuzzi for two. For the full treat, the romantic ritual for couples (180 minutes, €224 for two) starts with a scrub in the hammam and ends with champagne. See all massages, or add the pool and thermal area for a full spa day.