Casa de los Grifos
Explore the Casa de los Grifos, a captivating Roman house in Complutum, showcasing ancient murals and daily life. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free guided tours available
Casa de los Grifos
Best Time
Free guided tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Casa de los Grifos, a captivating Roman house in Complutum, showcasing ancient murals and daily life. Free entry!
"Incredible ruins, a sad national neglect of our history and heritage."
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to Casa de los Grifos is free, making it an accessible historical gem.
Guided Tour Value 🗣️
Opt for a guided tour on Saturdays for a deeper understanding of the site.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 247 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Murals
Interior of the house
See remnants of delicate, ancient Roman paintings that once adorned the walls of this once-splendid house.
Ancient House Layout
Excavated site
Wander through the remains of a Roman house, complete with multiple rooms and a shop, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Proximity to Complutum
Adjacent to Roman Forum and Baths
Experience this house as part of the larger Roman city of Complutum, exploring its forum and baths for a comprehensive historical immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Roman History
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to Casa de los Grifos is free, making it an accessible historical gem.
Guided Tour Value 🗣️
Opt for a guided tour on Saturdays for a deeper understanding of the site.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be walking on uneven historical grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Spanish Info Panels 🇪🇸
Be aware that information panels are primarily in Spanish.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to Casa de los Grifos is free, making it an accessible historical gem.
Guided Tour Value 🗣️
Opt for a guided tour on Saturdays for a deeper understanding of the site.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be walking on uneven historical grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Spanish Info Panels 🇪🇸
Be aware that information panels are primarily in Spanish.
Explore Complutum 🏛️
Combine your visit with the rest of the Roman city of Complutum for a full historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Casa de los Grifos to be a fascinating and historically significant site, especially given its free admission. While the remnants of Roman murals and the house layout are highlights, some reviewers note the need for better maintenance of information panels and suggest more funding for further excavation and preservation.
"This is part of the larger site of the former Roman town of Complutum. The remains of what once must have been a splendid house next to the Forum and baths. It contained many rooms and a shop. Some parts of the walls with delicate paintings remain and can be seen from a distance.
Interestingly the information panels here are only in Spanish"
Seimen Burum
"Very friendly staff. It's definitely worth a visit. Although some signs need to be fixed, they were barely legible due to wear."
Patry Fernandez
"Free. Very interesting, but they should replace some of the information panels, which are quite deteriorated and practically illegible.
There's still a lot of work to be done. Let's hope they receive more funding."
Nando
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa de los Grifos is located within the Roman city of Complutum in Alcalá de Henares. You can reach Alcalá de Henares from Madrid by train (Cercanías C2 or C7 lines) or bus. Once in Alcalá, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the Complutum site.
Yes, there is parking available near the Complutum site in Alcalá de Henares. Some TikToks mention parking for events like flea markets, suggesting general availability.
Absolutely! Casa de los Grifos and the wider Complutum site make for an excellent day trip from Madrid, offering a significant historical experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Casa de los Grifos is free. This makes it a very accessible historical site for all visitors.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally accessible as part of the Complutum site. Saturdays often feature free guided tours, so checking the local tourism website for specific times is recommended.
Since entry is free, advance booking is typically not required for Casa de los Grifos itself. However, if you plan to join a guided tour, it's wise to check if reservations are recommended.
Yes, free guided tours of the Complutum site, including Casa de los Grifos, are often available on Saturdays. These tours provide valuable historical context.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the excavated remains of a Roman house, including its rooms and shop, and most notably, see remnants of ancient Roman wall paintings.
Unfortunately, the information panels at Casa de los Grifos are primarily in Spanish, which might be a consideration for non-Spanish speakers.
Yes, children can find the ruins fascinating, offering a tangible connection to history. The open space of Complutum is also good for them to explore.
To fully appreciate Casa de los Grifos and its context within Complutum, allocate at least 1-2 hours. This allows time for exploration and absorbing the historical atmosphere.
While the ruins are significant, some visitors note that certain information panels are deteriorated and illegible, suggesting a need for restoration and funding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Alcalá de Henares has a vibrant culinary scene with many restaurants. TikToks mention various dining options, from burgers to traditional Spanish cuisine. +1
While there are no specific restrictions mentioned for picnics within the ruins themselves, it's generally best to consume food away from the historical artifacts to preserve them. The wider Complutum area might offer suitable spots.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Casa de los Grifos, allowing you to capture the ancient murals and ruins.
Focus on the sections with visible wall paintings for striking images. The overall layout of the excavated house also offers compelling photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit