The picturesque Andalucian town of Ronda sits either side of the Tajo de Ronda, a gorge more than 150 metres deep, down which flows the Guadelevin River.
Known as " The City of the Castles " the town was one of the last strongholds for the Moors before it was conquered by Castilian forces in 1485. The walls and gates of its citadel still remain today. In the centuries prior to the Moors occupancy the town was inhabited by the Celts, Phoenicians and the Romans. The remains of an ancient Roman amphitheatre can be found on a flat plateau at Ronda La Vieja to the north of the town.
The river and gorge divide the town into two halves. To the south is the historic Arabic quarter known as the Ciudad, whilst to the north " El Mercadillo " is the more modern, post 16th Century, area of the town. The two areas are united by several bridges.
Places to Visit
The Citadel -
The walls of the Citadel house many places of interest, including:
The Church of Espíritu Santo This Gothic-Renaissance style church was built to celebrate the reconquering of Ronda by the Spanish Monarchs.
Santa Maria la Mayor - This religious work brings together both Christian and Arabic design.
Mosque of Ronda - Built in the 13th century on the site of an ancient Roman temple, several of the Mosques original features have been preserved including the Mihrab Arch. In later centuries the interior including the chapel and alters, has been influenced by baroque and renaissance work.
Arab Baths - The towns old Arab baths were only discovered by accident when the house above them collapsed. Situated on the banks of the river, the baths are extremely well preserved.
Palaces and Ancestral Homes
Mondragón Palace - Now home to the Archaeological Museum, this palace was once the residence of both Muslim and Christian Kings.
Palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra - The traditional Ronda style wrought iron balcony is one of the most exceptional features of this building.
The House of the Moorish King - This stunning building has a gothic-mudejar style, complimented by beautiful hanging gardens.
Religious Buildings
Nuestro Padre Jesus - This Gothic style church is famous for its outstanding Renaissance bell tower
Virgen de los Dolores Pavilion - The pillars of this chapel are decorated with striking mannerist sculptures.
The New Bridge
The Puente Neuvo ( New Bridge ) spans the River Guadelevin uniting the Citadel
and Mercadillo. Built in 1751 the bridge took 42 years to complete and is now one
of the most photographed structures in Spain.
Parador
The towns Parador, originally the City Hall, sits on top of a cliff. As well as an excellent place to stay, it is also worth visiting the Parador to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views it has to offer.
Parque Natural de la Sierra de las Nieves
The stunning landscape of this natural park makes it one of the most beautiful in Andalusia. It is also very important in geomorphological terms due to its karstic formations and the GESM abyss, the third deepest in the world, which lies in the parks underground spaces.
Fiestas
The feria of Ronda is held from the first weekend in September for one week. The climax of the festivities is a bullfight in the historic Plaza de Toros, considered to be the oldest bull ring in Spain, in which traditional dress from the Goya period is worn. Known as the Goyesca this event is attended by hundreds of people from across the world.
A flamenco festival is held in late August, well known acts from all over Spain perform at the show which normally runs from dusk till dawn.
Semana Santa is the traditional Spanish celebration of Easter.
Cuisine and Wines
Ronda black pudding, ham and goats cheese are some of the regions best known products. Furthermore, the local climate is excellent for the production of wine, this has led to the foundation of several excellent vineyards in the area. Two of the best know being the Cortijo de las Monjas and F. Schatz.
Surrounding Areas
There are numerous whitewashed towns and villages, typically of Arabic origin, in the mountains around Ronda. Three of the most popular and well known are Arriate, Montejaque and Benaojan
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