Casa de los Dragones - بيت التنانين

In the heart of the stunning city of Ceuta, at the intersection of the lively streets of Plaza de los Reyes, stands one of the most original buildings in the region — the House of Dragons (Casa de los Dragones). Built in the early 20th century, this structure immediately catches the eye with its unusual exterior, where eclectic elements, Moorish motifs, and the elegance of old balconies blend harmoniously.

House of the Dragons. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight and symbol of the building are the four majestic dragon figures crowning its cornice. These sculptures give the house a truly fairytale appearance, making it stand out against the rest of the city's architecture. Over the years, it was a hub of social life, and the building's walls remember the times when it housed a famous casino.

Today, this architectural gem, which Spain is rightfully proud of, serves as an important cultural landmark and a must-see on any traveler's itinerary. Thanks to its unique look, the House of Dragons is considered one of the most photographed attractions, embodying the creative boldness of past masters.

For those planning their route and wanting to find their way around, we have prepared contact information. The building is located in the heart of the city's activity, so finding it will not be difficult.

The main pleasure of visiting this place lies in visually exploring its unusual facade. Tourists come here to see those legendary dragons that seem to guard the square's peace from the height of the roof. It is an ideal location for an architectural photoshoot: the play of light on the decorative brickwork and the complex shapes of the Moorish arches allow for impressive shots at any time of day.

A visit to the House of Dragons can be combined with a pleasant stroll through Plaza de los Reyes. This is a pedestrian zone where the city's rhythm is felt most clearly. Very close by is the Church of San Francisco, so you can create a rich itinerary combining Ceuta's secular and spiritual architecture.

History buffs will find it interesting to simply stand nearby and imagine guests arriving at the African Casino at the beginning of the last century. Although the building can only be viewed from the outside, it offers an unforgettable feeling of immersion in the atmosphere of the Eclectic era and allows you to experience the unique cultural flavor of this Spanish enclave.

Finding this architectural treasure in Ceuta is quite easy, as it is located in the lively historical center. The exact address is Calle Camoens Millan Astray Street 1. The building is situated right on Plaza de los Reyes (Royal Square), which is an important transport and pedestrian hub of the city.

If you arrive in the city via the port, the House of Dragons can be easily reached on foot in about 10–15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the Mediterranean streets. Local buses also run nearby, and any taxi ride from other parts of the center will take only a few minutes. Since the city center is quite compact and pedestrian-friendly, many tourists prefer to get here as part of a walking tour.

For those traveling by private or rented car, please note that much of the surrounding area is pedestrianized. It is best to look for parking a short distance from the square and then complete the journey on foot to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding neighborhoods.

The history of this unusual building began in 1905, when the prominent Valencian architect José María Manuel Cortina Pérez realized a commission from the city's mayor and successful businessman Francisco Cerni González. The building's architectural style became a vivid reflection of early 20th-century eclecticism, combining elements of historicism with unique decorative solutions.

Interestingly, there were originally six dragons perched on the roof, and for a long time, the building served as a meeting place for the city's elite, as it housed the African Casino (Gran Casino de Ceuta). However, in 1925, with the arrival of new political trends, the original sculptures were removed and, unfortunately, lost forever. For decades, the house stood without its main decoration, losing part of its mystical charm.

Justice was restored only in 2006. Using old photographs and descriptions, sculptor Antonio Romero Vallejo created four new dragons. The new figures are made of modern lightweight materials — plastic and fiberglass — but are skillfully painted to look like bronze, which restored the facade's historical and somewhat fairytale appearance.

To examine the building's facade in detail and take impressive photos with the famous sculptures, 15–30 minutes is usually sufficient. This is an ideal option for a quick stop during a walk through the center.

If you plan to include a visit to the house in a full tour of Plaza de los Reyes and stop by neighboring historical churches or cafes, you should set aside about 45–60 minutes. This will allow you to feel the atmosphere of the place without rushing and appreciate the architectural ensemble of the entire square.

Since the House of Dragons is an architectural monument viewed from the street, it is available for visiting around the clock. You can admire its facade and famous sculptures at any time convenient for you, whether early morning or late evening.

According to official data, access to the site is open 24 hours a day all week, from Monday to Sunday. The night lighting gives the dragons on the roof a special, mysterious look, so many tourists recommend seeing the building not only during the day but also after sunset.

Its location in the very heart of the city makes this spot an ideal starting point for further exploration of cultural heritage. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to see how closely different historical eras and architectural styles are intertwined here.

Nearby, you will find both modern recreational areas and ancient fortifications that have protected this unique enclave for centuries. Be sure to take the time to explore the nearby sites to get a complete impression of the multifaceted character of this region.