Are you passing through Ronda and looking for an original view of the El Tajo abyss? Check out Casa del Rey Moro! In addition to a magnificent panorama, you can walk around its peaceful garden and, for the more adventurous, descend the hundreds of steps to reach the mine, whose history dates back to the 14th century.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Casa del Rey Moro in Ronda.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is a visit to Casa del Rey Moro worthwhile?
Casa del Rey Moro is well worth a visit for history buffs. The originality of the site lies in the 14th-century mine on which the house was built. Note that your visit will be all the more enriching if you opt for the audioguide!
The site then takes on its full historical dimension, thanks to in-depth commentaries and anecdotes about the mine.
You can, however, visit the site in its own right, and enjoy its soothing garden and panoramic views over Ronda and the El Tajo gorge.
Complete your visit to Ronda with our top attractions article.
What you can see
Atypical garden construction
If the site is called “Casa del Rey Moro” or House of the Moorish King, unfortunately you won’t be able to visit the residence. Built in the 18th century, then acquired and renovated in 1911 by Trinidad von Scholtz Hermensdorff, Duchess of Parcent, it is now unfortunately in a state of ruin. Of its splendor, however, remains its garden, designed by French landscape architect Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier. For his creation, the gardener was inspired by the construction of Hispano-Moorish gardens and the geometry of French gardens. Stroll through the three terraces:
- The Fontaine du Paradis terrace with its azulejo benches and fountain-bassin,
- The Aromas terrace, snaked by a water canal and its pergola,
- The Étang terrace and its charming flowerpots.
The pond terrace
Water is a central element in traditional Muslim gardens. A symbol of purity and abundance, water is as much functional (it irrigates plants and refreshes the atmosphere) as it is aesthetic. In fact, water allows light reflections and creates a soothing sound in the garden. At the end of the canal, which rises from the Fontaine du Paradis terrace, the water flows into a pool filled with water lilies and colorful fish.
You can sit at the well’s coping and take in the magnificent panorama.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Spectacular panoramas
Situated on the edge of the El Tajo gorge, Casa del Rey Moro offers breathtaking views of this spectacular ravine. Cut by the Guadalevín river, this 120m-deep canyon divides the city in two, and has become its eternal symbol.
The view from Mirador del Rey Moro
You can also take pictures of the surrounding landscape, including the pretty white houses of Ronda and the Iglesia de Padre Jesus, from the Mirador at the end of the tour.
The 14th-century water mine
The history of Casa del Rey Moro dates back to the 14th century, under the rule of Abomelic, son of the Sultan of Fez, during the Merinids. Ronda, fortified to defend the Nasrid kingdom of Granada, was home to “La Mina Secreta”, which extracted water from the Guadalevín river. This mine was mainly used to supply water to the town, particularly during periods of siege.
During your descent into the mine, you’ll be able to step back into history and observe various pieces such as..:
- The water supply room, where slaves stored the water extracted from the river in sacks using a large wheel known as a “noria”.
- The weapons room, for retaliation in the event of an attack.
- The room of secrets where the well is located.
The low-angle view
Once you’ve descended the mine’s hundreds of steps, you’ll land on a small platform from which you can enjoy a low-angle view of the Ronda Gorge. This unique photo will be the main reward for your physical effort!
It was at this very spot that, in 1485, Castilian troops, aware of the mine’s vital importance, attacked it! By disabling the wheel, they cut off the water supply, making it easier to take the city.
Garden wildlife
The lush garden is home to many birds (sparrows, blackbirds, robins) and if you’re lucky, you may also spot the magnificent peacocks that bask on the property.
Garden details
In addition to the lovely views, we particularly enjoyed the peacefulness of the garden and the various details that make it up, including the magnificent azulejos on the benches, the rose beds that run alongside the house and the various plants in the medicinal garden (thyme, sage, etc.).
WHERE TO STAY IN Ronda
Option 1: In the historic or modern city center
We recommend exploring the attractions on foot:
- Hotel Casa Palacio Villa Zambra – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Palacio de Hemingway – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: In the surrounding countryside
If you prefer nature and peace and quiet, we recommend it:
- Hotel Cortijo La Organic – See photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Ronda
Casa del Rey Moro in Ronda: how to find us
Where to find Casa del Rey Moro
- In the town of Ronda
- C/ Cuesta de Santo Domingo, nº 9
- In the historic part of the city, known as the Ciudad
Access by car and parking
It’s generally difficult to park in Ronda. We therefore advise you to walk to the museum from your hotel, especially as the site is located in a small, sloping alley. However, if you prefer to come by car, the Ronda parking lot is a 7-minute walk from the museum.
Public transport access
As mentioned above, although there is a bus service in Ronda, we advise you to come on foot, as you’ll get there much quicker!
Visiting difficulties
The site is not accessible to wheelchair users, given the differences in level between the various terraces in the garden.
If you want to visit the mine, you’ll have to walk down 60m, the equivalent of a 20-storey building. Which will then have to be reassembled!
Note also that the floors are uneven and slippery as water runs over them. We advise you to wear good shoes and bring a jacket as it gets cold.
Finally, we don’t recommend this attraction for young children, as it’s time-consuming and can be dangerous.
Useful tips for visiting Casa del Rey Moro
Schedules and prices
Casa del Rey Moro is open daily from 10am to 8pm from October to April, and until 9:30pm from May to September.
Prices are as follows: €10 (full price) / €3 (under 12s).
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
You can visit :
- In just 30 minutes if you come just to visit the garden and admire the panoramic views. In fact, the visit is short due to the limited number of educational panels and the inaccessibility of the house, which is in a state of disrepair.
However, the weathered walls and abundant vegetation give the site a certain cachet, and make for great photos! (see image below). - In 1 hour if you decide to go down into the mine and take the audioguide, the time to listen to the different stations. You’ll hear the fictional voices of the former slaves responsible for extracting the water, the famous gardener explaining his construction of the garden, and more. Immerse yourself in the history of the place!
This will also give you time to admire the gorge below and catch your breath before climbing back up the stairs.
Best moment
Like all Ronda’s tourist attractions, we advise you to come at the opening or at the end of the day to enjoy the peace and quiet. Nevertheless, if you come in the afternoon on a hot day and are brave enough to go down into the mine, you’ll be rewarded by the coolness of the walls!
Direction of visit
There’s no set way to visit it, but we highly recommend downloading the “Casa del Rey Moro” app on your smartphone and following the audio explanations to better understand the secrets of the mine, among other things.
In fact, as the mine is as it is, you won’t see any furniture or other relics of history. In this sense, the audioguide really adds colour to your visit!
Please note, however, that the audioguide can only be downloaded onto a smartphone, and is only available in English or Spanish.
Eating out
Just below the pond terrace, you’ll find Cafeteria La Terraza del Rey Moro, offering fast food. Here you can enjoy a refreshing drink with a lovely view. When it comes to dining, however, we advise you to opt for the city’s more typical restaurants. Read our article on the best places to eat in Ronda.
Hotels
As the site is in the center of Ronda, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation on offer, which we invite you to discover in our dedicated article.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
