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Garden · Ronda, Andaluzia
Casa del Rey Moro
Complex on the edge of the Tajo including the 14th-century Mina de Agua, a stairway excavated in the rock down to the river, and the garden designed in 1912 by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Casa del Rey Moro
Despite its name, the house was never owned by a Moorish king. The complex sits on the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, on the north side of the old medina, on the cliff face of the Tajo. It has three parts: the Mina de Agua, of Muslim date; the neo-Mudéjar house, assembled by the Duchess of Parcent at the beginning of the 20th century; and the garden. The house is under restoration and is not included in the visit.
The Mina de Agua was built in the 14th century to secure water for the town in case of siege. Taking advantage of a natural fissure in the cliff, a gallery with steps was excavated, descending about 60 metres to the bed of the Guadalevín. Down there, a large noria powered by Christian captives drew the water.
According to chroniclers, during the 1485 siege the capture of the fortification protecting the mine cut off the water supply, and the town surrendered to the Castilian troops. Seven years later Granada fell. The descent through the mina ends at a landing on the river, at the bottom of the gorge.
The garden was commissioned by the Duchess of Parcent, Trinidad von Scholtz Hermensdorff, to the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier in 1912. It was his first work in Spain. There are three terraces linked by tiled stairways, with fountains, a water channel and rose beds, and viewpoints over the Tajo and the mountains. The complex is declared a Bien de Interés Cultural.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the garden and the complete descent of the mina, round trip.
Best time
In the morning or at the end of the afternoon. The return climb from the mina has many steps: from June to August, avoid the hottest hours.
How to get there
It is on the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, about 100 metres from the Puente Nuevo, descending towards the Puente Viejo.
Tip
The mina has about 60 metres of vertical difference via narrow, damp, and poorly lit stairs: it is not suitable for those with limited mobility, heart conditions or claustrophobia. Wear shoes with a firm sole. There is an audio guide for mobile phones. Check opening times and conditions before you go.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Casa del Rey Moro
What is the Mina da Casa del Rey Moro?
It's a 14th-century gallery dug into a crevice of the Tajo cliff, with stairs that descend about 60 meters to the river. It was used to bring water to the town during sieges.
Can you go inside the house?
No. The neo-Mudéjar house is under restoration. The visit includes Forestier's garden and the descent down the mine.
Is the descent down the mine tiring?
The descent is easy, but the return is about a 60-meter climb up narrow, damp stairs. Take it slowly and bring water in summer.
Who designed the garden?
The French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, in 1912, commissioned by the Duchess of Parcent. It was his first work in Spain.