Casa del Gigante Plasterwork
The House of the Giant, otherwise known as the Casa del Gigante in Ronda’s old city is one of the most complete examples of Nasrid architecture outside of Granada and definitely a destination that should be on your list of places to see in Ronda.
Located in a quiet plaza behind the Santa Maria La Mayor church, and directly across from the Museo Peinado, the Casa del Gigante is just 2 minutes walk from the Puente Nuevo and Plaza d’España, and not too far from the Mondragon Palace. A statue of Vincent Espinel is located directly in front of the entrance to the House of the Giant. The palace was already more than 100 years old at the time of the fall of Ronda to Ferdinand’s army in 1485 and apart from some redecorating in the 17th century is still largely complete as a Moorish building.
This part of Ronda was originally filled with smaller medieval houses but in the 14th century the area was demolished, this happened around the time Ronda had become an important city in Moorish Andalucia, and most likely under the rule of the King Abomolec. A nobel court developed in Ronda so space for their homes was required and the area around where the Casa del Gigante is located was ideal being very close to the royal court.
The current name Casa del Gigante refers to the Phoenician-Hittite statue sitting atop the front courtyard wall, although this is just a copy, the original is located inside the main hall of the building. Phoenician people founded nearby Acinipo long before Roman and Moorish influence arrived.
The statue of El Gigante is believed to have been part of a pair found in the Barrio San Francisco during the 16th century, a time when that part of Ronda was undergoing extensive rebuilding. Of course another legend has it that El Gigante was recovered during Moorish times by the original builder of the house. We’ll never know the truth and will just have to keep guessing.
The original entrance to the house is no longer possible to use, a neighbouring property was built in later years that completely blocked the entrance, so we must enter through the courtyard, which in former times was sealed. Entering the Casa del Gigante courtyard finds the visitor in a small courtyard with a large orange tree taking pride of place. The palace itself is built around a second inner courtyard which is only accessible after entering the house, and from which all other rooms lead. The walls still show vestiges of Arabic tiles containing poetry and verses from the Koran.
These days the house is a small museum, on the top floor is a 10 minute video presentation describing the history of Ronda over the last 5,000 years, whilst on the ground floor we have the inner courtyard and ponds, the main hall containing the Gigante statue and a beautifully restored Nasrid coffered ceiling, and upstairs, a small museum showing some of the restoration undertaken in the Casa del Gigante.
Casa del Gigante Opening Times
Autumn and Winter
Monday to Friday 10am till 6pm (10:00-18:00)
Saturdays 10am till 1.45pm (10:00-13:45) then 3pm till 6pm (15:00-18:00)
Sundays and Public holidays 10am – 3pm (10:00 – 15:00)
Spring and Summer
Monday to Friday 10am till 7pm (10:00-19:00)
Saturdays 10am till 1.45pm (10:00-13:45) then 3pm till 6pm (15:00-18:00)
Sundays and Public holidays 10am – 3pm (10:00 – 15:00)
GPS Location
Latitude: 36.738428 (36° 44′ 18.34” N)
Longitude: -5.165699 (5° 9′ 56.52” W)
Price of Entry
2€ per individual
1€ if part of a group of 10 or more, and children
Free if resident in Ronda
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- Casa del Gigante Plasterwork
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- Moorish Arch
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- Entering the Casa del Gigante
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- Garden Terrace
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- Coffered Ceiling
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- Patio and Statue
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- Moorish Plaster
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- Phoenician Statue
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- Water Well
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- Casa del Gigante Window
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- Espinel Statue and Casa del Gigante
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