Fancy an original visit? Let yourself be tempted by the astonishing Lara Museum.
Housed in a former 18th-century palace, this museum boasts an eclectic collection of over 2,000 objects ranging from clocks and scientific instruments to artifacts relating to bullfighting and local history.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Museo Lara 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 the Lara Museum worthwhile?
The Lara Museum in Ronda is well worth a visit for history and curiosity buffs.
In fact, the museum boasts a surprisingly diverse collection of antique objects.
Although the museum experience is marred by outdated scenography and sketchy mediation, the Lara Museum offers a unique insight into local history and material culture of past centuries, making it an interesting stop for the curious.
What you can see
A unique collection of varied objects
The Lara Museum exhibits Juan Antonio Lara’s personal collection, to which he dedicated his entire life. It’s one of the most diverse private collections in Spain, with objects as diverse as musical instruments, clocks, weapons, horse-drawn carriages, typewriters and stained-glass windows.
Among the museum’s other attractions is a room recreating a chapel dedicated to Fray Leopoldo, a Capuchin monk from Malaga.
Each room features a theme, with objects from different eras.
In the weapons room, for example, we spotted 18th and 19th century pistols, 19th century uniforms, badges, helmets and even women’s dueling pairs.
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- 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.
A room dedicated to cinema and photography
This room offers a journey through time, illustrating the evolution of cinema and photography and their cultural impact over the decades. Vintage projectors sit alongside photographs of Hollywood stars, film reels and old cameras. A section showcases photographs from the Second World War, while a mural celebrates famous bullfighters of the 20th century.
A room dedicated to Romanticism
This room, dedicated to the romantic refinement of the 19th century, is undoubtedly our favourite in the museum! You’ll find everyday items such as fans from all over the world, opaline glass vases, ivory boxes and other precious objects like porcelain figurines and antique wax dolls.
A tavern reconstruction
When you go down to the basement, you’ll be surprised to discover a recreation of a typical Spanish tavern, with rustic tables, a stage for dancers and large wine barrels. The local atmosphere continues in the alcoves, with copper pans, flamenco posters and bullfighting costumes. It’s enough to immerse you in the atmosphere of a bodega evening!
Dark rooms
As you continue your tour of the basement, you’ll discover rooms with darker themes. A section presents various machines linked to torture practices around the world, including some representations with mannequins that are a little too realistic for our liking. Another room is dedicated to the history of medicine, with specimens preserved in formalin. Finally, there’s a room devoted to the myths surrounding witchcraft, featuring representations of supernatural creatures.
Note that these spaces can be disturbing for some visitors. We advise sensitive people or those with young children to carefully consider whether they can visit them.
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
Lara Museum in Ronda: how to get there
Where is the Lara Museum?
- In the town of Ronda
- Calle Armiñán, 29, at the entrance to the old medina
- 4min walk from Puente Nuevo de Ronda
Access by car and parking
We recommend that you walk to the museum from your hotel, as parking is difficult in the city of Ronda and the hotel has no parking facilities. However, if you prefer to come by car, the Ronda parking lot near the Paza Duquesa de Parcent is a 5-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 museum is not accessible to wheelchair users. The second floor is easy to visit, although there are a few small levels between rooms and a steep staircase down to the basement rooms.
We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that some basement rooms feature sensitive historical themes, notably a section devoted to ancient punitive practices. This section may cause offence to small children or sensitive persons. We recommend that you evaluate the content prior to your group visit.
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
Useful tips for visiting the Lara Museum
Schedules and prices
The museum is open daily from 11am to 7pm.
Admission is €4 for adults and €2 for children.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
We advise you to allow 1 hour to tour all the rooms.
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, the museum remains untouched by the crowds.
Direction of visit
There’s no particular way to visit, you can just trust your eyes!
Visiting with children
We haven’t identified any mediation systems that are suitable for children. They may be indifferent to the display cases, but they should love the few wax statues.
As mentioned above, however, certain rooms devoted to torture and witchcraft may offend the sensibilities of younger visitors.
Eating out
The museum is located at the entrance to the old medina, so you’ll have plenty to eat! Read our article on the best restaurants in Ronda.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Ronda! Find our addresses in our article.
