Progress has changed our lives in so many ways. Could people previously imagine that they would perform water procedures without leaving home? That the day will someday come when they won’t have to get to the nearest bathhouse with basins, washcloths, brooms and other supplies? Today, most people have already abandoned this, but there are still those who remain devoted to the good old baths, albeit not very often, but from time to time visiting establishments in different parts of the city in search of the best. Is it possible to go there with the whole family? Is there at least one joint bathhouse in Moscow where both men and women can wash without hiding? And if there are, where to look for them and are there any special rules for those who want to visit them? Let's look for answers to all these questions together.
Historical excursion
The tradition of making separate baths for different sexes is far from new. Even when people understood the difference between men and women, they began to practice their toilet in the presence of only representatives of their own sex in order to avoid embarrassment. The baths usually had several rooms, some were at the disposal of men, others - women. And in small baths they could set a time at which representatives of only one sex should come.
A joint bathhouse (men and women were allowed in at the same time) was more a necessity than a whim: for example, it was not possible to organize separate “washing sessions” for men and women. Today, when the function of the bathhouse has changed somewhat (now it is more of an entertainment than the only way to keep oneself clean), representatives of different sexes can freely spend time there together, not necessarily even naked.
How it all began
No matter what some, especially patriotically minded citizens, say, Rome really gave a lot to human civilization, and a considerable part of it was really good and useful. The most typical and striking example is public baths.
Pride of the Empire
Heirs to the baths of ancient Greece, Roman baths became the center of social life of the then empire. Agrippa built the first baths and, either out of the kindness of his heart, or, on the contrary, out of exorbitant ambition, bequeathed them for free use to Roman citizens. Roman public baths of that time are a whole complex of engineering and technical structures, which even in today’s technologically advanced times evoke admiration, and, to be modest, considerable respect for Roman technical thought. Let us provide a short list of functional areas of the classical Roman baths:
- Apodyteria is a place for undressing and storing clothes while a citizen takes bath procedures;
- The palaestra is a kind of fitness area, a room for physical exercise, and in some cases for oil therapy sessions. In other cases, if the terma was central and not peripheral, a dedicated separate zone was allocated for such procedures - ailepteria;
- Tepidarium - a moderately warm room;
- Hypocaust is the internal zone of the thermal bath where the body was heated with dry warm air. A mandatory attribute of a hypocaust is a vast but shallow pool;
- The heart of the bath is the caldarium. The hottest room of the Roman baths. It is here that the hot air circulation system was designed and constructed in such a way as to ensure the most active heat exchange;
- Nearby, there is a room with a simple name that caresses the Russian ear - propnigy. Nothing reprehensible, just a steam room;
- Frigidarium - a room with a cool temperature pool.
After reading this section, we can understand two important things. The first thing is that we have greatly improved our level of proficiency in the Latin language, which can be safely reflected in various types of questionnaires. And secondly, the Romans were well aware of the importance of the body’s gradual entry into and exit from the zone of maximum temperatures. Yes, Ancient Rome was great, despite its antiquity, but what about us?
Wooden baths of Rus'
Although public baths in Rus' do not have such engineering sophistication, they can nevertheless boast of long-standing and, most importantly, very strong traditions. We responded to Roman marble, sculptures and mosaics with wood, strong, steamy steam and a waiting room that was cozy, sometimes to the very depths of the soul. The comfort, sterility and general atmosphere of the Russian bathhouse were so impressive that not only were purely hygienic procedures carried out there, they also delivered babies, nursed newborns and the sick, crushed flax, dried linen and sent on their last journey those who had left this mortal world forever.
Russian baths of that time were, first of all, family baths. Arranging a family trip to the bathhouse on a traditional bathing day was considered quite in the order of things. Sharing a bath with children was not considered shameful and was not condemned by the canonical church. At least, neither informational nor practical persecution on the part of the churchmen was undertaken against such a practice, at least at the level of official positions.
Important! At the same time, in Europe, in particular on the British Isles in the Middle Ages, the opposite practice existed: “Britain is an island in the ocean, formerly called Albion. There are salty springs in this land, and there are also hot ones, the water of which is used in hot baths, where people wash separately, according to gender and age.”
Historical practice shows that the laws of that time directly prohibited the joint washing of men and women, and the premises of public baths were strictly divided into men's and women's, or special men's or women's days were introduced. Here is the quote: “Let men go to the bathhouse together on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; women go on Monday and Wednesday. If a man enters the bathhouse or one of the premises of the bathhouse on Women’s Day, then let him pay a fine.”
In the late Middle Ages, the “Rules of the Stoglavy Council” were adopted, which directly prohibited the joint adoption of bathing procedures by men and women, which, also within Rus', were universally ignored by the common people without any special legal or other consequences.
Later, in the era of Emperor Peter the Great, foreign citizens, not wanting to take part in the “savagery and debauchery” which they imagined as a common bathhouse for men and women, organized their own bathhouse in the German settlement, in which visits by people of different sexes were separated both in time and in space. Even later, having fallen under the influence of the philosophical thoughts of her French friend Voltaire, Empress Catherine the Great issues the Charter of the Deanery, which allows free entry into the women's bathhouse exclusively for boys under 7 years of age, doctors and directly the servants of this bathhouse establishment. However, the common people, committed to old traditions, spat profusely at this autocratic act.
Over time, joint baths in our domestic spaces were actively replaced by separate baths, and the Soviet ideology of educating citizens of high moral qualities played a significant role in this process, and in Europe, the processes went in the opposite direction, which was embodied in the now legendary German bath.
What about in Europe?
Shared public baths have long existed in European countries. True, there is one very important rule: no swimsuits or swimming trunks, because at the temperature in the steam room, the fabric will prevent the evaporation of excess liquid from the body, thereby causing overheating. Who knows how this might end? Perhaps it is precisely because of this that in the West people are not ashamed of their nudity in such a situation, knowing full well that the consequences may not be the most pleasant.
In Russia and even in post-Soviet countries, people are not so liberated, so they go to joint saunas and baths in what they wear when swimming in the sea. It is difficult to say whether caring about health or the feeling of beauty of others is more important, and yet society imposes certain limits, because of which we feel very awkward when we are naked ourselves or surrounded by naked people, no matter whether we know them or not. In any case, Russian traditions in this regard differ significantly from Western ones.
A little dry theory
In Germany (and also in Austria, keep in mind if you are going to ski resorts) there are very unique bath traditions. Locals consider it unhygienic, wrong and even possibly disgusting to bathe in synthetic swimsuits. It seems like these newfangled materials are harmful and unsafe. But at the same time, all German baths are shared - and traditionally men, women, children and old people go to the “therms” completely naked. This doesn’t bother anyone except the numerous Russian tourists who end up there either by accident or out of curiosity. In the first case, the reaction of our people is mainly negative, and in the second, it is not entirely adequate.
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"Warsaw Baths"
So, let's get down to specifics. It is clear that there is far more than one shared bathhouse in Moscow; moreover, a large number of complexes today offer to rent a separate sauna, where representatives of different sexes can be present at the same time; this depends on the customer himself. One of the establishments where this is available is “Warshavskie Bani”, located on Varshavskoye Shosse, 34.
Clients note that not only the bathhouse itself is excellent, but also the restaurant located next to it. Halls of different capacities, decorated in different styles, are available for rent. In addition, the complex offers rental of sheets, so even the most shy ones will not have to blush in front of representatives of the other sex.
"Tsaritsyn Baths"
The Tsaritsyn Baths, located at the metro station of the same name, on Luganskaya Street, 10, have also proven themselves. This complex, among other things, organizes special sessions for naturists - people who have no inhibitions at all. You can spend three hours in cabins for 6-8 people (taking into account the specifics of the session, women in a joint bathhouse in Moscow will pay only 800 rubles instead of the usual 1300 for this bathhouse). As with many similar establishments, a restaurant and bar are available.
And from what is usually more interesting to bathhouse lovers, there are available fonts, shower cabins, cabins with overturning barrels of cold water. Judging by the reviews, the Tsaritsyn Baths are one of the best in the capital, so you won’t regret visiting them.
Church against debauchery
There were public baths in the cities, and here everything was more complicated. The husbands and their “zhinkas” went to the bathhouse together. And it turned out that many people of different sexes could be together in the large bathhouse. And even children with them. Very similar to a dumping sin. The Church began to be indignant about this already in the 15th century.
Baths in cities were built on the banks of rivers, specifically so that they could jump from the heat into cold water. This strengthened the spirit - that’s what the Russians thought. But when passers-by saw more often than men jumping into the water naked, it greatly embarrassed them. There are even several paintings by Russian artists on the topic of not entirely decent bathing customs.
"B-69"
“B-69” is an amazing island of calm and tranquility in the center of the noisy capital. True, this is more of a sauna than a joint bathhouse in Moscow. Its address is Vavilova Street, 69, Profsoyuznaya metro station. The prices there, of course, are not very affordable, but a separate advantage is the presence of two completely different halls - Greek, decorated in the spirit of antiquity, and African, with the savage simplicity inherent in this continent. Like most bathhouses, there is a restaurant and bar, but you can bring your own food. Guests can use the services of massage therapists, smoke hookah and enjoy aromatherapy.
"Vorontsov Baths"
The legendary “Vorontsov Baths” (Vorontsovsky Lane, 5/7, building 1), unfortunately, do not allow men and women to wash together, but are happy to rent saunas for up to six people to both sexes. Another plus here is that the complex is open around the clock, so both those who don’t go to bed until dawn and those who wake up at that very dawn and want to relax in a pleasant atmosphere can enjoy this place.
The only condition is to rent a room for more than two hours, for which you will have to pay from three to six thousand rubles, depending on the availability of a pool in a particular sauna and the capacity of the steam room.
"Sandunovsky Baths"
Regulars almost universally recommend another truly legendary establishment - Sandunovskie Bani. Address of the establishment: Neglinnaya, 14, pp. 3-7. As in most other complexes, there are separate classes (aka halls) for men and women. Representatives of both sexes can relax together in separate bathhouses of varying capacities. The numbered baths here are also open 24 hours a day. Their price, as is already clear, depends on the capacity: for a company of four people you will have to pay 4,000 rubles per hour, and for the largest group of ten people - seven or eight thousand. We can safely say that this is perhaps the most popular joint bathhouse in Moscow. Reviews about this place are the most positive, both about individual and general categories, so “Sanduny,” as this bathhouse is popularly called, is one of the complexes that is practically obligatory to visit.
"Lefortovo Baths"
A pure joint bathhouse for men and women is very rare in Moscow - usually these are still separate categories available for rent. Such, located on Lefortovo Val, 9a. Here, however, there are some peculiarities: the rented rooms and saunas can accommodate from four to six people, and you need to pay for them based on the number of guests: 600 rubles per person per hour, with the minimum price being 1200, that is, for two Human. In addition, you can also rent a double room for 1200 rubles per hour.
And the biggest bonus is the opportunity to “occupy” an entire Russian steam room, which can accommodate as many as thirty people - this is an excellent option for holding a large-scale celebration, a corporate party, for example. According to reviews, in addition to standard brooms, sheets and hats, they offer honey, herbs, and various types of massages.
Regarding photos and videos in German baths
I've been surfing the Internet, and the most popular request for German baths is related to photos and videos. So, my little lovers of XXX footage, entering the bathhouse with phones is strictly prohibited, and since everyone in the steam rooms is naked, I can hardly imagine where you can hide even a small camera. Therefore, basically all the photos on the network are staged. And this is good, hardly anyone wants to be filmed as a souvenir.
Not only in Moscow!
But you don’t think that going to the bathhouse together is only possible in Moscow? Other cities are no worse! For example, the Northern capital offers a “Bath Club”, which, unfortunately, is only open from mid-Tuesday to Wednesday morning, from four to six. This establishment is located on Lotsmanskaya Street, 20, you will have to get there from the Sadovaya/Sennaya metro station or from Narvskaya. The payment system is also interesting: ladies enter for free until seven in the evening, then pay 300 rubles; men pay 1000 from four to midnight, and if they come on Wednesday, then 300.
The rules prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs, and for indecent behavior towards ladies they can be removed. In addition, special programs are held with master classes and trainings in which all those present can participate. True, in the general section you will have to wear a bathing suit, robe or sheet, but the very feeling of being in a bathhouse overcomes this trouble for lovers of nudity.
My experience in the thermal baths of Berlin
In general, I have never suffered from a craving for nudism (although who will believe me now), and it’s somehow not very interesting to look at others, but I really wanted to relax in a bathhouse after three days of running around Berlin. Well, since this is a local specialty, you can combine business with pleasure - take a steam bath and try something that is much talked about.
In our bathhouse you only had to undress in the steam rooms; throughout the rest of the area they wore bathrobes, and in the pool you had to wear a swimsuit. Like any normal person, undressing for the first time was awkward. It seemed to me that we would enter the steam room and everyone there was dressed, and only my friend and I were like two fools)) But no, in fact everyone was sitting or lying on the towel they had taken off.
There is semi-darkness in the steam room and without special efforts you won’t be able to see your neighbor. The Germans themselves go to the baths often and have already seen so many naked bodies that two more can hardly surprise them. If someone looks at another person, they do it as discreetly as possible - indecently) But only those who specifically came for this will be considered - for example, Russians)) Such people are usually given away by a wild look, and you can simply stay away from them. We went to a new and quite expensive establishment, the cost of which eliminates the undesirable contingent. In general, there were few people, and often we sat in the steam room or hammam together.
Overall, we had a great time - everything in the bathhouse was very high quality and beautifully done, we steamed, swam, and at the end drank a glass of wine on the sun loungers overlooking the garden. Have a rest! As for bare features - in Germany this should be taken for granted. You can not? Then just don't go. I can't say that I like it, but it has to be done. I saw these people for the first and last time in my life. I couldn’t go with friends and colleagues like the Germans))
General rules
It doesn't matter whether you prefer regular, separate or shared baths. Men and women in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Astrakhan and in all cities must adhere to certain rules.
It is clear that going to the bathhouse if you have cancer or pregnancy is strictly prohibited. But few people know that before going to the steam room it is recommended to take a shower, although without gels and soaps, which will remove the fatty film from the body and make it difficult to sweat. No alcohol: its influence will only increase under the influence of heat. In the steam room itself, you need to cover your head, especially if the hair is wet, otherwise there will be additional stress on the brain vessels. And after the steam room, a cold shower or the traditional Russian rubdown with snow is recommended: the temperature contrast will only enhance the healing effect of the bath. The most important rule: do not test yourself under any circumstances - at the slightest sign of discomfort, you need to leave the steam room and take a break from the heat.
What now
The family bathhouse is slowly but surely gaining popularity in our wide open spaces. The modern bath industry sensed the market conditions and demand for quality family vacations in time and is trying to satisfy this demand to the best of its ability, ingenuity and capabilities. Foreign experience in operating establishments of this kind is also a good help here. The trend has become so fashionable and timely that many establishments that had a reputation as a semi-gangster den with blackjack and girls of low social responsibility are in a hurry to correct their image and take the true path, which is the bathhouse for the family. In general, what is good and attractive about a family-type public bathhouse:
- Due to the specifics of the contingent, there are much fewer problems both with hired personnel and directly with visitors.
- As you know, about 60 - 65% of the profit of a bath business is not the main income, but specifically related products and services. Agree that the circulation of non-excise kvass, fruit drinks, and juices in the long term guarantees a more stable profit than beer, vodka, and cigarettes.
- Therapeutic and sports massage are now more in demand and popular than the massages that were widespread in the 90s.
- The orientation of the bathhouse business under the slogan “to the bathhouse with the whole family” guarantees communication exclusively with the relevant control and supervisory authorities, and not with the police and prosecutor’s office. Naturally, the family in this case has nothing in common with the Sicilian mafia formations.
The moral side of the issue
I would also like to note that a joint bathhouse in Moscow is more of an intimate phenomenon than a widespread one. And the mentality of post-Soviet states, as already mentioned above, is very different from the European one. It is very likely that over time the situation will change and the scope of shame will expand a little. On the other hand, the question arises about the sense of beauty: after all, everyone has a different attitude towards the human body, and it is hardly possible to find yourself in a company where everyone will be happy with everyone. In addition, people of the older generation can also join in going to the bathhouse, and being together with a negligee seems completely unacceptable. Therefore, the issue of joint baths will be discussed for a long time. You can give arguments both for and against, but the choice remains with each bathhouse visitor.
Russian bath traditions
In Rus', a bathhouse was a small family temple - it had its own rules and traditions. They had nothing to do with debauchery. We are talking about family baths - which the villagers had next to their houses.
On bathing day, which was usually at the end of the week, relatives were called. A good bathhouse should be hot, so men and children were the first to take a steam bath. And then - more vulnerable women, and finally, when it has cooled down a little - the elderly. It’s interesting that the children went first - but it was believed that strong steam was good for a child’s body and drove away all sorts of illnesses. And the kids were not afraid of the heat.
A husband and wife, close relatives, could easily end up in the bathhouse together and this was not considered shameful.
Different types of baths
It was mentioned above that a joint bathhouse in Moscow can offer a variety of types of private sections. Descriptions of these different establishments will allow you to choose where to have a good time.
The Russian bathhouse is the most famous and one of the oldest. Its peculiarity is that hot stones are poured with water, which creates wet steam. In the Finnish sauna (by the way, in translation “sauna” means “bath”) the system is, in general, the same, but the stove design is different, and the stones are watered much less often, which is why the steam there is not so wet. An interesting option is a Japanese bath, more similar to our bath: a person is immersed chest-deep in a barrel filled with water at a temperature of 45 degrees, warming up there.
There are also dry baths. You can steam in sawdust heated to 60 degrees and soaked in special oils. Or you can use a special bag filled with herbs or birch leaves. Even ancient scientists noted the benefits of a sand bath, which we find more often in the form of a children's game - the fact that children bury adults in the sand has a positive effect on their body. Avicenna advised combining such a bath with watermelon: the berry will have a diuretic effect, but excess liquid will be removed from the body through sweat, which will actively absorb sand.
That’s why you shouldn’t get hung up on just one bath; it’s better to experiment to choose something that’s the best.
A man's view of German baths
Our Vanya is just from that category of people who go to a German bathhouse out of curiosity. Of course, he examined everyone, but he assures that he did it as inconspicuously as possible, so as not to confuse anyone and not to look like a fool himself. He says there were some pretty girls, but not many)
In the bathhouse where he and his friend went, you had to be naked everywhere - even in the pool.
Another difference is that their thermal baths had many more steam rooms, and the pool had access (or swimming) to the street. Their cost of visiting was lower, and therefore the contingent was simpler. There were several Turks huddled in the pool, who probably didn’t just come to take a steam bath.
In general, Vanya’s impressions are even more pleasant - he wanted to go to the German baths, he went to the baths. I think he will repeat it at the first opportunity)
