Arab Baths of Cefala Diana

The Thermal Baths of Cefala Diana are located at the foot of Mount Chiarastella and are an exceptional example of Islamic thermal architecture in Sicily. The structure was built as a hammam between the 10th and 11th centuries, with the construction of diving pools that collected hot water from the local thermal spring. Over the centuries, the building has undergone significant changes: a Norman renovation under Roger II in the twelfth century introduced a new entrance and modified the internal organization of the space, but maintaining a functional continuity with the Islamic period. Subsequently, in the 14th century, the site was enriched by a backdrop and a horizontal wheel mill, marking a new phase of reuse. In the 1700s, the thermal area was further renovated: the main pool was divided, the vault was remade in calcarenite and the water distribution system was reorganised, also introducing new entrances. The last significant intervention dates back to the 19th century, with changes to the tanks and the construction of a channel to convey water to the mill.

The Cefala baths are not only interesting for their Arab origin, but also because they bear the signs of centuries of transformation and new interpretations of the place by the different administrations.