Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor

A beautiful church that used to be a Islamic mosque. It has 2 sections and both are amazingly adorned. A definite must visit when in Ronda.

This is a fascinating church in a beautiful square in the Old Town, La Ciudad. The square,Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, has a beautiful little park and also houses the impressive Ayuntamiento de Ronda ( Town hall ). The square is just down the street from the Mondregal Palace and is a very short distance from Puente Nuevo but could be a million miles away from hustle and bustle of the tourist trail and selfie shower. The church charges €4 entry but is well worth more. It was originally a Roman Temple , then a Mosque and then converted to a Catholic Parish Church. The beautiful bell tower was originally a minaret and like the Giralda had a bell tower added when constructed as a church. Inside the door is the remains of the Mihrab ( the Muslim door facing Mecca ) , a very impressive choir stalls in beautifully carved wood. The nave is divided from the choir by a beautiful wall of copper images of the Stations of The Cross. An excellent treasury has some lovely pieces.

Superb church to visit - the entrance is 4.5€ per person but you have so much to see: - beautiful church, - crypt with very old books (12th to 16th century), - small exhibit of old icons, - panoramic view of the top after climbing a beautiful stone carved stair Fantastic !

Santa María la Mayor is a fascinating church that reflects Ronda’s layered past, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences. The ornate interior and panoramic balcony views are worth the modest entrance fee. Some areas could use better lighting and signage, but overall, it’s a rewarding stop for history and architecture lovers.

Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor is a stunning church with a deeply layered history. Originally built as a mosque during the Muslim rule in Ronda, it was transformed into a church after the Spanish Reconquista. Following the Christian conquest, many Muslims and Jews were forcibly removed from their homes, and the mosque was repurposed for Christian worship, which is a reflection of the tragic history of religious conflict during that time. The architectural blend of Islamic and Christian styles is striking, with remnants of its Islamic roots still visible, especially in the elegant arches and intricate designs. One of the most fascinating parts of the church is the area where the imam once led prayers, still preserved as a testament to the mosque’s original purpose. The church itself is a serene space with soaring ceilings and beautiful altars, but also stands as a reminder of the turbulent history of Spain during the period of the Reconquista. It’s a must-see for those interested in the rich and often painful history of the region.

The Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor in Ronda, Spain, was built above a 13th century Moorish mosque after the Christian conquest in 1485. Near the entrance are some intricately decorated horseshoe arches remaining from the mosque's mihrab (prayer niche). An earthquake in 1580 did serious damage to the church. Subsequently the half of the church toward the main altar was rebuilt in the Renaissance style.

I didn’t visit the church itself, as I was only interested in the Muslim heritage of the building. The remains of the mihrab are still very clearly visible in the gift shop of the church. You can still read Surat al-Ikhlas written on the walls of the mihrab.

What a beautiful church. Definitely worth a visit and the 4,50 Euro entrance fee. No siesta break. Don't miss the amazing view from the roof. There is a little door. After opening it you will have a very nice view from the top inside the church.