Ronda

The Lara Museum: Culture in the Heart of Ronda

lara museum visiting of ronda
14 Nov

Located in the historic center of Ronda, the Lara Museum is a cultural gem that no visitor to this beautiful Andalusian city should miss. Housed in the former House-Palace of the Counts of the Conquest of the Batanes Islands, this private museum offers a unique experience that combines history, art, and curiosities.

The Lara Museum is located on Armiñán Street, in the heart of Ronda’s historic center. Its opening hours are:

  • June to October: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • November to May: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Collections and Rooms

The museum houses over 2000 pieces distributed across seven themed rooms, each with its own charm and historical value:

  1. Armory Room: Features an impressive collection of firearms and bladed weapons from the 17th to the 20th centuries, including bandit blunderbusses and a curious seven-barrel rifle.
  2. Clock Room: Showcases a fascinating collection of pocket watches from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as French mantel clocks.
  3. Scientific Instruments Room: Displays a variety of scientific instruments from the 19th and early 20th centuries, from microscopes to navigational equipment.
  4. Romantic Room: Dedicated to decorative arts and feminine aesthetics, featuring collections of fans, French porcelain, and dolls.
  5. Photography and Film Room: Exhibits an interesting collection of antique photographic and cinematographic equipment.
  6. Archaeological Room: Presents pieces covering different historical periods.
  7. Inquisition and Witchcraft Room: One of the most impactful, offering insight into these controversial aspects of history.

Curiosities about the Lara Museum

  • First private museum in Andalusia: Founded by Juan Antonio Lara, who gathered over six thousand original pieces throughout his travels.
  • Chapel of Fray Leopoldo: A small chapel dedicated to Blessed Fray Leopoldo de Alpandeire, highly revered in Andalusia.
  • Inquisition Exhibit: A section that offers a powerful look into this historical institution.

Prices and Discounts

  • General admission: €4
  • Reduced admission: €2 (students, retirees, Ronda residents, and groups of over 10 people)

Tips for Visiting

  1. Set aside at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum.
  2. Don’t miss the Inquisition Room, one of the most impactful exhibits.
  3. Take advantage of the opportunity to stroll through Ronda’s old town before or after your visit.

A Complementary Experience: Doña Felisa Winery

cosas para hacer en ronda bodega

After diving into history at the Lara Museum, we recommend completing your visit to Ronda with an oenological experience at Doña Felisa Winery. This family-owned winery is a Ronda landmark and offers guided tours and wine tastings that will allow you to discover the unique flavors of the Serranía de Ronda.

At Doña Felisa Winery, you can learn about the wine-making process, from vineyard care to manual harvest and grape selection. The tour includes a walk through the winery’s rooms and a tasting of selected wines, which can be paired with a delicious meal.

Founded in 1999 by José María Losantos and Gema Alonso, the winery has become a benchmark of quality viticulture in the region. Its wines, made from grapes such as Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay, are a faithful reflection of the D.O.P. Sierras de Málaga.

A visit to Doña Felisa Winery is the perfect complement to your cultural experience in Ronda, allowing you to enjoy not only the city’s rich history but also its gastronomic and wine treasures.