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Church · Ronda, Andaluzia
Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor
Ronda's main church, built from 1485 on top of the city's main mosque, with Gothic naves, a Mannerist chancel, a tower atop the former minaret and a gallery facing the square.
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 Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor
On the site of the church stood the main mosque of the medina, from the 13th century. From it the arch of the mihrab remains, decorated with stucco and hidden behind the altarpiece of the tabernacle altar. After the conquest, the Catholic Monarchs ordered the construction of the temple, and Ferdinand the Catholic raised it to a chapter parish.
Works began in 1485 and were not finished until around 1720. The Gothic part corresponds to the west end of the church: three naves separated by pointed arches on pillars with continuous capitals. An earthquake in 1580 destroyed the apse, which was later rebuilt in a Mannerist style, higher than the rest, with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals.
In the centre of the nave is the choir in walnut and cedar wood, with two levels of seats carved with symbols of the Virgin, apostles and saints. The altarpiece of the Virgen del Mayor Dolor houses a statue attributed to Martínez Montañés or to La Roldana.
The tower was built on the old minaret after lightning destroyed the previous one in 1523. It has a square base, octagonal stages and a 16th-century finial. At the start of the 17th century a three-storey gallery facing the square was added, from which the authorities watched festivals and performances. The church has been a national monument since 1931.
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 30 to 45 minutes. Include the climb to the gallery and the terrace when they are open.
Best time
In the morning, when light streams through the naves. Tourist visiting hours change because of Masses: check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, in the centre of La Ciudad, about a 5-minute walk from the Puente Nuevo and next to the Palacio de Mondragón.
Tip
The tourist visit is paid and separate from the Masses. Notice the mihrab arch, one of the few remains of the mosque. The Plaza Duquesa de Parcent opposite has benches and shade, and the town hall is on the same square.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor
Was the church a mosque?
Yes. It was built over the main mosque of Muslim Ronda, from the 13th century. From the old building the mihrab arch remains, behind the altarpiece of the tabernacle.
Why does the church mix styles?
The works lasted from 1485 until around 1720. The Gothic part is the oldest. The apse, destroyed by an earthquake in 1580, was rebuilt in Mannerist style, and the final finish is Baroque.
What is the gallery on the façade for?
The three-story gallery, from the beginning of the 17th century, served as a platform for authorities to watch festivals and performances in the square in front.