House of the Dragons
Ceuta
The House of the Dragons is a notable example of eclectic architecture located in Ceuta, a Spanish exclave on the north coast of Africa. Commissioned in 1900 by Francisco Cerni González, then mayor of Ceuta, and his brother Ricardo, it was designed by Valencian architect José M. Cortina Pérez and completed in 1905. The building is distinguished by its artificial stone base and the four bronze dragons that crown its roof, a feature that gives the house its popular name. These dragons, originally installed but removed in 1925, were replaced in 2006 by replicas made of resin and fiberglass, painted to mimic bronze, designed by local artist Antonio Romero Vallejo. The house is situated on the corner of Paseo de Camoens and Millán Astray Street in Kings Square, serving as a prominent city landmark. Historically, after the Cerni González family, the building housed the offices of the Spanish Falange party following the 1936 revolution. The facade has undergone restoration several times, notably in 1973 and 1996. The House of the Dragons stands as a cultural symbol blending artistic creativity and local history in Ceuta.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate architectural details and rooftop dragons. While entry specifics are limited, exploring the exterior and nearby Kings Square is rewarding. Consider visiting in spring or autumn for pleasant weather. No advance ticket purchase is generally required as it is primarily an external landmark.
Interesting facts
- •The original bronze dragons were removed in 1925 and lost for decades before replicas were installed in 2006.
- •The architect José M. Cortina Pérez also designed a similarly named Building of the Dragons in Valencia, featuring more subtle dragon motifs.
- •The new dragons were created by local artist Antonio Romero Vallejo, who also sculpted the 'Tribute to the Artillery' bronze statue in Ceuta.
- •The dragons atop the house weigh less than 200 kg each due to their resin and fiberglass composition, unlike the original bronze ones.
History
The House of the Dragons was commissioned in 1900 by Francisco Cerni González, mayor of Ceuta, and his brother Ricardo, with construction completed in 1905.
Originally intended to bear the family name, it became popularly known for the four bronze dragons adorning its roof, a motif inspired by a similar building designed by the same architect in Valencia.
The original dragons were removed in 1925 and subsequently lost.
After the Spanish Civil War, the building served as offices for the Falange party.
Ownership changed in 1946, and the facade underwent restorations in 1973 and 1996.
In 2006, new dragon sculptures were installed, revitalizing the building's iconic appearance.
Place Guide
Rooftop Dragons1905 (original), 2006 (replicas)
Four striking dragon sculptures crown the roof, originally made of bronze but replaced in 2006 with lightweight resin and fiberglass replicas painted to look like bronze. They are the building's most iconic feature.
Facade and Artificial Stone Base1905 (original construction), 1973 and 1996 (restorations)
The building's base is constructed from artificial stone, showcasing the eclectic architectural style. The facade has been restored multiple times, including the removal of green tile cladding and replacement with marble-like stone.
Location at Kings Square
Situated at the corner of Paseo de Camoens and Millán Astray Street, the House of the Dragons occupies a prominent corner in Ceuta's Kings Square, a central and historic urban space.
