THE STEAM BATH

The steam bath still conserves part of the flat roof, as well as the remains of four columns in the portico and some stone slab seats placed against the façade. A narrow opening gives access to the inside, where there are stone slabs for the bathers to sit on. At the back there is a stove where stones were heated, onto which cold water was poured to produce steam.

Also known as Temazcal, the Steam Bath has a 16 meters (52 feet) length by 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide. Its angled ceiling was supported by 4 stone walls and 4 columns as part of the portal. With a “T” shaped interior, the back of the structure connects to the front through a small and square-shaped opening.

The Steam Bath had its own stone drainage under the surface. On the interior walls, two small openings work as ventilation for the steam to go out. The Steam Bath wasn’t used as a cleaning method but as a spiritual purifying ritual.

It was typically used to purify someone who was later going to be sacrificed in the Sacred Cenote. Later on, the people built one closer to the cenote.