Ordu Saray Bathhouse, located in Selimiye Neighborhood, is an Ottoman-era stone bathhouse featuring a large central dome and three smaller domes around it, offering scrubbing, foam massage, massage, and sauna services.
Ordu Saray Bathhouse is a stone structure located on Hükümet Street in the city center. The plan is simple but characteristic: a square-planned main hall with a large dome in the center, surrounded by three private bathing cells (halvet) and three small domes above them. It is said to have been built to serve the palace residents and guests during the Ottoman period and has been recently restored.
Today, all classic bathhouse rituals are available here: steam, scrubbing, foam massage, sauna, and some establishments also offer swimming pool and fitness access. There are separate sections for women and men, making it suitable for mixed-gender family groups as well. The average rating on Google reviews is 3.8. Some visitors have written that the scrubbing and foam service was short and indifferent for its price, while others praise the atmosphere, the staff's patience, and the feeling of relaxation after the steam. The experience seems to vary from person to person, and even depending on the time of visit.
Its proximity to the city center is an advantage; it has a parking lot and can also be reached on foot. For those who want to see its historical texture, its architecture (the arrangement of three small domes plus one large dome) is interesting on its own. Even if you don't use the bathhouse services, it's worth seeing from the outside or the lobby.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Ordu historical places, Perşembe Plateau.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The bathhouse is open every day of the week, so you don't need to stick to a specific season. Weekend afternoons and evenings tend to be busier; if you want a calm experience, prefer weekday mornings. Returning indoors after a hot steam on a cold winter day is especially enjoyable.
How to Get There
Ordu Saray Bathhouse is located in Selimiye Neighborhood, on Hükümet Street, in the Altınordu district. It is within walking distance from your accommodation in the city center. For those coming by car, the establishment has its own parking lot, which is an advantage for a place in the city center.
How Much Time to Allocate
1-1.5 hours is sufficient for just scrubbing, foam, and steam. If you add sauna and massage, the duration can extend to 2 hours. If you are at branches with swimming pool or fitness access, it makes more sense to plan for half a day, especially if you don't have other plans in Ordu.
Price and Budget
Comments mention figures around 1500 TL for the scrub-foam service, but this price may change over time and depending on the service package. In some branches, only pool or fitness access is offered at a much lower fee (e.g., around 30 TL). Calling ahead to ask for the current price list is the most reliable way to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Things to Consider
Google reviews show mixed experiences regarding service quality. Some visitors state that the scrub-foam service was short and indifferent for the price paid; others praise the atmosphere, staff attention, and general cleanliness. Clearly asking about the duration and scope of the service before entering can reduce the difference between your expectations and the reality. Walk carefully as the floor can be wet and slippery.
Photo Spots
The dome silhouette of the building seen from the outside, especially the symmetry created by the large central dome and the three small domes surrounding it, offers an interesting frame for photography. Moments where steam and light combine inside also create natural, filter-free shots. However, remember that taking photos inside the bathhouse is limited due to privacy rules.
General Information
Saray Bathhouse gets its name from being built to serve the palace residents and guests of its time. The square-planned main hall, with a large central dome and small domes above the three private bathing cells, forms a simple but familiar example of classical Turkish bathhouse architecture. Its recent restoration aims to preserve the historical texture while providing modern comfort.
FAQ
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