Palacio del Rey Moro, Ronda, Spain

The Palacio del Rey Moro (Moorish King's Palace), in Ronda, has two main attractions:

The Secret Mine
A 14th-century Arab fortress, which, according to local legend, was built by the Muslim King Abomelic, in the days when Ronda occupied a strategic position on the border between Castile and what would become the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. The mine is reached by wide steps carved in a zigzag pattern out of the rock and covered by an ingenious system of overlapping vaults. At the bottom of the steps is the Hall of the Spring, where there was once a well. Further down is a robust military tower which defended the mine and served as a secret escape from town.

Forestier's Hanging Gardens
The gardens that surround the Palace were designed by the French architect Forestier and laid in 1912. Forestier's original design has been preserved, with gardens hanging over the gaps in the cliff along the river Guadalevin. The gardens are inspired by the Hispano-Moorish tradition but with the strict order of the Western European style. 

Opening hours: 9 a.m to 7 p.m.
Ticket (standard): €5

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