Hammam Essalihine Spa

 Algeria has hundreds of hot springs or fountains that back to thousands of years. The most famous one is Hammam Essalihine (the bath of the righteous or thermal baths of Flavius) which is a tourist and therapeutic site that is situated in the middle of an enchanting mountainous and forested region (Aures Mountains); precisely in “El Hamma” district, 7 km from Khenchela, an Algerian province. According to the inscriptions, it is an ancient Roman bath that has existed for 2000 years, the reason why this spa is classified a protected national historical heritage.

     The source of Hammam Essalihine is nestling at the bottom of a valley dominated by beautiful wooded mountains (1.500 m above sea level) which combines a unique natural landscapes with the old Roman vestige to give the most picturesque spot of the country that leads to the attraction of thousands of visitors all year around from all over the country and from abroad (it records up to 700,000 visitors a year), either to enjoy the landscapes of the Aures region or for therapeutic reasons.

    Hammam Essalhine spa is known for the therapeutic virtues of its waters.  Its water is so pure and very rich with minerals, and its temperature is around 70°C. The water’s chemical composition gives it therapeutic properties indicated for rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological diseases. In addition that this resort can treat several diseases ,it offers all the appropriate treatments like relaxation, massage and functional rehabilitation equipment, in addition to the hydrotherapy sessions offered by a couple of physiotherapists.

    In this spa, there are two pools; the rectangular pool and the circular pool, one for men and the other for women, with eight meter in diameter and a depth of 1.45 m, as well as 44 thermal cabins. Despite of the historical importance for the region of this tourist structure, it lacks a lot of infrastructures.

    It is really highly advised to preserve this sauna by a regular maintenance throughout the improvement of services and the protection of its immediate environment and the multiplication of hotel facilities to accommodate visitors and spa guests, and provide all the needful services to make the region a major destination for thermal tourism.

Written by ARAB Sabrina