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Ronda is a picturesque town in Andalusia, known for its historical monuments, impressive views, and unique atmosphere. It is located in the south of Spain, about 100 km west of Malaga. The romantic atmosphere of Ronda was liked by the American writer Ernest Hemingway, George Orson Welles, and the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke.
Ronda is a city that was built on two rock massifs separated by a deep ravine. The river Guadalevín flows through it. Both rock massifs are connected by a total of 3 bridges. The most famous and highest of them, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) has become a symbol and the most photographed place in this city.
And Ronda is not just a deep ravine that literally cuts the city in two halves. It is mainly a wonderful Spanish historical town with a strong atmosphere. So what to see in Ronda?
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Puente Nuevo
In Ronda, you can admire three interesting bridges: Puente Romano, the old or Arab bridge Puente Viejo and the new bridge Puente Nuevo. The last one is the highest and dates from the 18th century. It is the most attractive place for tourists from all over the world. It arches over the steep limestone walls of the deep El Tajo canyon, connecting the two parts of the city together. You can reach it through intricate city streets. But Puente Nuevo is stunning not only from the outside for the views of the surrounding area from it. In the past it was also used as a prison, most recently during the civil war, so you can also look inside the bridge, now it serves as a museum.
Jardines de Cuenca
The old part of the city is decorated with gardens above the precipice. They are freely accessible all day. They will give you more wonderful views of the city and the surrounding nature. You feel like you’re in another world here. You can also observe all three bridges connecting the divided halves of the city from them. On the other side of the gorge, there are gardens with paid admission.
Casa del Rey Moro
The former palace of an Arab king is set into the rock. It has been rebuilt in various ways over the centuries, as a result of which it has an irregular floor plan and different heights. Its origin is Arab, and a large water reservoir has been preserved. Today it is open to the public as a museum. The most interesting features of Casa del Rey Moro are its cascading gardens and a historic well that is connected to an underground river. You can go down the long stairs to the water level, which is the same as the level of the Guadalevín River in the gorge.
El Balcón del Coño
The most impressive views of the local landscape can be enjoyed in the city park on a balcony called El Balcón del Coño. It is located in a part of the city that was built during the Golden Age and was originally known as Alameda de San Carlos. It is now called Alameda del Tajo. The local park is very popular, especially for its nice paths, fountains, ponds, and children’s playgrounds. You can also find a monument to Ernest Hemingway here. And if you’re lucky, you might come across one of the frequent musical performances by local artists.
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Plaza de Toros de Ronda
Ronda is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting, and its bullring, the Plaza de Toros, is one of the oldest and most famous in Spain. It stands on the western edge of town, about two blocks from the Puente Nuevo Bridge and El Tajo Canyon. It was built in the neoclassical style by the architect José Martin de Aldehuela, who also designed the Puente Nuevo bridge. Bullfights and the traditions associated with them are the biggest attraction of the city. Once a year, the historic Corrida Goyesca bullfight takes place in the arena. Inside you will find a museum dedicated to bullfighting.
Plaza del Socorro
Plaza del Socorro is the modern political center of Ronda. It was here that Blas Infante, the father of Andalusian nationalism, displayed the Andalusian flag and coat of arms for the first time in 1918. The Parish Church of Socorro (Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro) is located here and was only built in 1956. From this square full of restaurants and cafes, atmospheric streets branch off in all directions, which are worth just walking and soaking up the atmosphere of cities. Here you will experience the real Spain.
Arab baths
The well-preserved Arab Baths (Baños Árabes) are located below the city of Ronda and date back to the 13th-14th centuries. century. They represent an example of Moorish architecture in Ronda. The spa here is one of the best preserved in Spain, the areas for bathing and sweating are arranged in a cascade. In later times, the Duchesse de Parcent had a garden built here with a pool for a sitz bath. It’s worth seeing just for the beautiful light coming through the star-shaped openings in the vaulted ceilings.
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