Kütahya's 650-year-old Saray Hamamı offers natural cooling

The 650-year-old Saray Hamamı in Kütahya, built during the Germiyanoğlu Beyliği period, has become a popular destination for locals and tourists due to its natural cooling properties during summer heat.

After remaining derelict for approximately 30 years following its use as a bathhouse until the 1980s, the historical structure and its adjacent mansion were purchased and restored by Vahdettin Kılıç in 2013. The site was converted into a cafeteria while preserving its original architectural integrity.

Due to its thick stone walls and domed architecture, the building functions as a ‘natural air conditioner,’ maintaining a cool environment without the need for mechanical cooling. Kılıç expressed that the experience is the opposite of the traditional saying ‘he who enters a bathhouse sweats,’ noting that the interior remains refreshing despite sweltering temperatures outside. Future plans include using parts of the structure to exhibit local Kütahya tile artistry.