حمام المسطوطين

Hammam Maskhoutine

Useful Information

Location:	Hammam Debagh, Guelma Province. (36.459948, 7.268995)
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History

Description

حمام المسطوطين (Hammam Maskhoutine) translates Bath of the Damned and is a thermal spring with a single spectacular rimstone pool. It is also known under the name حمام الشلالة (Waterfall Bath) or حمام دباغ (Tanner's Bath). IKt is located at the souteast end of Hammam Debagh in Guelma Province. Hammam Maskhoutine is the historical name for the whole area of the hot springs. Hammam Chellala is the name of the thermal complex and cascade.

There are hot springs which are rich in limestone. The limestone is precipitated as soon as the water reaches the surface and the carbon dioxide leaves into the air. The deposit forms a plateau around the springs and a multicolored travertine wall, which forms a semi circle.

The springs are famous since Roman times, when they were called Aquae Thiblitanae, after the nearby city Thibilis. They installed bathing facilities which can still be used today. The Arabic name comes from a local legend.

Once a man married his sister. As the incestuous couple and the wedding procession moved up the valley, a curse caused the skies to darken. The entire wedding party was struck with lightning and turned to stone. The celebratory robes are the reason for the billowing shapes of the rimstone.

There are 10 different springs along the valley. The hottest spring is 98 °C hot and is used to boil eggs. All springs together have a yield of 1,650 l/s or 100,000 l/min. The high content of limestone and iron is thought to be therapeutic for rheumatism and arthritis.