Ishtar Hammam became a reality, as it, once again, harmoniously unites two cultures whose intertwined histories are not far from each other, in the historic building known by the name “Bon Marche”. It housed for centuries a textile superstore that served not only Heraklion, but also all of Crete. Bon Marche had originally Muslim owners and later, after the exchange of populations, Greeks.

The building, which was specifically chosen for its historical significance, has been designated a historic monument and work of art and is controlled by the Service of New Monuments and Technical Projects of Crete.

It has morphological elements of neoclassical, Turkish and Balkan architecture with a special and uniquely pleasing aesthetic effect.

The beginning of the construction work on the building seems to be placed around 1687, as this date is found forged on the side window of the first floor of the historic building.