Zeyrek Çinili Hamam: the Sinan hamam of Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and its museum
- Historic hamams
- Zeyrek, Fatih
- Paid
Family hotels closest to Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
Visitor information
| Type | Ottoman double hamam (hamam and museum) |
|---|---|
| Built | 1530s |
| Commissioned by / architect | Mimar Sinan (for Grand Admiral Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha) |
| Neighbourhood | Zeyrek, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Museum section during the day; hamam by reservation |
| Admission | Separate prices apply for the museum and the hamam; contact the hamam for current information. |
| Time needed | Museum 45 min; hamam 1.5–2 hours |
| Getting there | 10–15 min by taxi from Sultanahmet; 3 min walk from the Zeyrek Mosque |
| From Sultanahmet Square | 2.8 km; a long walk, public transport recommended |
| Pushchair / stroller | Partly suitable. The streets of the Zeyrek hill are steep; the museum section is level |
| Best time | Together with a visit to the Zeyrek Mosque and the Valens Aqueduct |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
The story of the hamam
The hamam is one of Sinan’s early works, and its income went to the foundations of Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha. It takes its name (“tiled hamam”) from the İznik tiles that covered its interior walls. Most of these tiles were removed in the 19th and 20th centuries and were lost or went to collections abroad; the building lay in ruins for many years. Excavations during the restoration that began in 2010 uncovered thousands of finds from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
The museum and hamam sections
After the restoration, part of the building was turned into a museum displaying the excavation finds, tile fragments and objects that tell the story of hamam culture. The women’s and men’s sections serve again as a hamam; visits are by reservation. The museum section is also open to those who only want to see the building’s history without bathing. For general information about women-only sections, see our guide hamams and pools for women.
What is nearby?
The hamam is a few minutes from the Zeyrek Mosque, the Byzantine Pantokrator Monastery. You can walk among the historic wooden houses of Zeyrek and go down to the Valens Aqueduct and the Şehzade Mosque.
Visiting tips
- Even if you do not bathe, the museum section is worth seeing; the story of the tile fragments is striking.
- Book the hamam in advance.
- The streets of Zeyrek are steep; wear comfortable shoes.
Our family hotels near Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam: 37 min walk (2.6 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam: 38 min walk (2.6 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam: 38 min walk (2.7 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam: 38 min walk (2.7 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
When did the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam open?
After a long restoration that began in 2010, it opened to visitors in 2022 as both a hamam and a museum.
Can you visit the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam without bathing?
Yes. The museum section of the building is open to visitors who only want to see its history and finds without using the hamam.
