Category Archives: Monuments

Casa del Gigante in Ronda

The House of the Giant, otherwise known as the Casa del Gigante in Ronda’s old city is one of the most complete examples of Nasrid architecture outside of Granada and definitely a destination that should be on your list of places to see in Ronda.

This house is located in a quiet plaza behind the Santa Maria La Mayor church, and directly across from the Museo Peinado. The Casa del Gigante is just 2 minutes walk from the Puente Nuevo and Plaza d’España, and not too far from the Mondragon Palace. A statue of Vincent Espinel is located directly in front of the entrance to the House of the Giant.

The palace was already more than 100 years old at the time of the fall of Ronda to Ferdinand’s army in 1485 and apart from some redecorating in the 17th century is still largely complete as a Moorish building.

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San Sebastian Minaret (Alminar de San Sebastián)

For nearly 700 years Ronda was an Islamic city, and during this time is believed to have had 7 or 8 mosques, none of which exist today, except for the San Sebastian Minaret (Alminar de San Sebastián) which was converted into a bell tower after the adjacent mosque was reconsecrated a Christian church.

It was here in 1485 that Ferdinand II is believed to have ordered a mass to offer thanks for the capture of Ronda.

San Sebastian Minaret in Ronda
Brick work on the San Sebastian Minaret (Alminar de San Sebastián)

Read more about the kingdom of Granada here.

The mosque wasn’t particularly large, but being the closest to the central mosque frequented by the city’s rulers and elite families, the mosque in Plaza Abul Beka probably served as the main mosque for merchants and middle ranking families of the city.

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Ronda’s Water Mine under the Casa del Rey Moro

Carved into the cliffs of the ‘El Tajo’ gorge is a surprising mine and fortress that dates back to the Moorish era. This was when constant wars in Al-Andalus required the city governors to protect the water supplies for the defenders of the city.

Ronda’s Water Mine under the Casa del Rey Moro was built during the reign of Ronda’s King Abomelic at the beginning of the 14th century. Ronda, at this time, was an independent Islamic kingdom on the frontline between the Christian north, and the newly developing Islamic Nazari Kingdom in Granada.

Voicemap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda

Ronda’s Water Mine under the Casa del Rey Moro is included in the VoiceMap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda route around the city.

To reach the water mine it is necessary to first enter the gardens of the House of the Moorish King.

The moorish kings house in Ronda
The Moorish kings house as seen from the balconies of the Don Miguel hotel in Ronda. Click here to stay in this hotel and experience the stunning views of the Puente Nuevo and Tajo gorge.
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The FREE Ronda Printable Guide and City Map

Discover Ronda: Free Printable Guide and city map

Welcome to Ronda Today, your ultimate resource for exploring the captivating city of Ronda, Spain. Immerse yourself in the “City of Dreams” with a FREE printable guide and city map

We have received many emails from people asking for a printed version of Ronda Today so we have created a 21 page A4 essential Guide and map for Ronda Spain  from some of the most popular articles on this website.

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A family adventure in historic Cordoba: Exploring the heart of Andalusia with kids

Welcome to the vibrant and captivating city of Cordoba, nestled in the heart of Andalusia! As the sun cast its fiery August glow upon the historic streets, my family and I embarked on a family adventure in historic Cordoba that combined the rich tapestry of Cordoba’s past with the energy of two grown ups and three curious kids, aged 14, 14, and 9.

August’s fierce heat with temps as high as 46C didn’t deter us from uncovering the treasures this enchanting city has to offer. From awe-inspiring architecture to delightful culinary experiences, our exploration was a blend of education, culture, and pure fun. With 5 sets of eagle eyes and the help of Google maps, it was also pretty easy for us to find great places to eat as well.

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