Armenbad – Public baths for the poor

The baths for the poor in Baden-Baden

In the early modern period, the state and wealthy spa guests financed ‘poor baths’ in bathing resorts. There, the needy received free spa treatments as well as cheap accommodation and food. These facilities did not offer any comfort. The poor baths on the market square in Baden-Baden were completely run-down around 1800 and were replaced by a new building on the outskirts of the town in 1810. This made room for prestigious buildings in the centre. In addition, wealthy spa guests were presumably spared the sight of the poor baths and its guests. In 1818, the painter Johann Schaffroth captured the interior of the old building shortly before it was demolished. The plan of the new baths shows that, in addition to individual baths, a larger pool was also planned. Strict attention was paid to the separation of the sexes.