Mondragón Palace: history, facts and how to visit

Ronda's most important civil building, of possible Muslim origin.

History and what to see

Also known as the Palace of the Marquis of Villasierra, this is considered the city's most significant civil monument. Local tradition holds that it was once home to Abomelic, son of the Sultan of Morocco, though no excavations confirm exactly what the palace looked like in its Muslim period. After the Christian conquest of Ronda in 1485, it passed into the hands of the local nobility. Today it houses the Municipal Museum, with courtyards and gardens that look out, quite literally, over the edge of the Tajo gorge.

Interesting facts

It's considered Ronda's most important civil building.
Local tradition links it to Abomelic, son of the Sultan of Morocco, though no archaeological evidence confirms it.
It changed hands after the Christian conquest of 1485, passing to the local nobility.
Its courtyards and gardens look out quite literally over the edge of the Tajo gorge.

Getting there and accessibility

Getting there: Next to the Church of Santa María la Mayor, in the heart of the old town.

Accessibility: Partially accessible

Opening hours, prices and access conditions change over time: check the official sources for each place before you go.

Take Mondragón Palace with you

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What to see nearby

Palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra
Baroque façade with curious figures of Incan inspiration.
Casa del Rey Moro (Moorish King's House)
A Muslim-era water mine and hanging gardens above the Tajo gorge.
Old Bridge
A single-arch bridge, between the Church of Padre Jesús and the Arch of Philip V, that linked the Ciudad with the Mercadillo before the New Bridge existed.