banya (sauna)

A banya (Russian: баня, IPA: [ˈbanʲə] (About this soundlisten)) is originally a Slavic steam bath with a stove. It is considered an important part of Russian culture with Slavic roots. The bath takes place in a small room or building designed for dry or wet heat sessions. The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire.

In the Russian language, the word banya may also refer to a public bathhouse, most historically famous being the Sanduny (Sandunovskie bani).