One of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia is undoubtedly Ronda. Anyone who comes here for at least one day from the sunny Costa del Sol can throw a look into the abyss over which the city is built.
True, there is no escape from the summer heat: tourists will even face an even harsher climate than in the coastal cities of Andalusia. However, Ronda is worth seeing if only for its unique charm and interesting monuments.
This small town is one of the oldest in all of Spain. Traces of many civilizations can be found directly in it and its surroundings.
In modern Ronda, we find many observation decks, monumental buildings and interesting museums. Ernest Hemingway described his impressions of visiting Ronda: "The whole city, as far as the eye can see, is nothing more than a romantic theatrical background." Do not forget to buy comfortable shoes before visiting this place, because visiting this "theater" is a walk that will take you along steep paths and many stairs.
El Mercadillo and Arena
Ronda is divided into two main areas: the Moorish one called La Ciudad, and the new one created after the victory over the Muslims, the Christian El Mercadillo.
Both parts of the city are separated from each other by the huge El Tajo gorge. It was created by the current of the Guadalevin River, which at first glance seems quiet and modest, but this impression is deceiving.
The El Mercadillo area will be the first to be seen by tourists arriving in the city by train or bus. It is here that the train stations are located. The road from them to the most interesting area of Ronda, La Ciudad, will take about 15 minutes. The path will lead you past the famous bullring. Such places in Spain are called Plaza de Toros.
They say that the origins of bullfighting should be sought in the days of the ancient Romans. As you know, in their arenas, the Romans forced gladiators to fight with lions, tigers or panthers. After the departure of the Romans, the arenas remained, but it was very difficult to get lions for such entertainment. Of the most formidable animals, only a bull was at hand, so he was taken to the arena.
Today, during bullfights, animals are no longer killed, but bloodless fights are conducted, which are no less exciting than the previous ones.
Initially, bullfighters fought with bulls, sitting on specially trained horses. It was in Ronda that a bullfight was first held, in which a bullfighter stands against an animal, standing on the ground.
The townspeople are very proud of their Corrida de Toros and can tell stories about it from morning to night. The bullring is a very interesting place. You can visit it alone or with a hired guide. Just make sure the guide speaks the same language you speak in advance.
What everyone goes to Ronda for
The La Ciudad area begins with the famous Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which is a stone's throw from the arena. It is thrown over an abyss 120 meters deep. Its construction began in 1759 and lasted over 30 years.
The name of the bridge is fairly easy to explain. Previously, another bridge was erected here, but due to an error made in the construction calculations, it collapsed, taking the lives of many people with it.
The new one looks solid and very beautiful. The room, located above the high central arch, was once a prison, from which it was impossible to get out. Now it is shown to tourists for a fee.
The victims of the collapsed old bridge weren't the only ones. During the civil war of the 1930s, the opposing sides often killed prisoners by throwing them over the railing of the New Bridge.
The Puente Nuevo Bridge is shown by the city authorities from all sides. Several excellent viewing platforms have been built near this structure, from where you can take spectacular pictures of the bridge itself and the gorge below it.
Almost all the space above the abyss is occupied by hotels and restaurants, each of which has its own observation deck. Drinking a cup of aromatic coffee in such conditions is the direct duty of any tourist.
Attractions La Ciudada
If you arrive in Ronda in the morning, walk around La Ciudad clockwise to keep the sun out of your camera. So, by 16 o'clock you can find yourself on another unofficial observation deck not protected by any fences, which is located just opposite the New Bridge. You can go down to it from the Mondrakhon Palace, where the Archaeological Museum is now working.
There are several interesting sights in La Ciudada:
- the palace del Rey Moro, built by the Moors at the beginning of the 14th century and famous for its mine, carved directly into the rock, into which you can go down 365 steps to find yourself on an iron platform directly above the Guadalevin River at the bottom of the gorge (do not forget that you will have to climb later);
- Puente Viejo is one of the oldest bridges in Ronda, built by either the Romans or the Arabs (you need to take photographs of the surroundings from this bridge);
- Puente Arabé - the third and last bridge connecting the districts of Ronda;
- Arab baths, where the old water supply system still operates;
- the church of Santa Maria la Mayor, the bell tower of which can be climbed.
