
46km – 50mins drive to the stunning town of Ronda, this is definatly one not to miss.
Ronda is absolutly stunning with its magnificent bridge that joins the two sides of the town, spanning over 100m above the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its arches. The views from the bridge and the viewing platforms dotted around the canyon are spectacular. We worth the stunning 50 minute drive, through some of the south of Spains most stunning scenery.
Plaza de Toros
Whilst your in the town why not visit on of Spains oldest Bull Rings, Inaugurated in 1785, Ronda’s Plaza de Toros is home to one of Spain’s most famous ‘schools’ of bullfighting, on foot rather than on horseback as at Jerez and Sevilla. Today the Plaza de Toros is a museum, open to tourists, and used only in the spectacular September Goyesca bullfights, in which combatants dress in the manner of Goya’s portraits of 18th century life in Spain.
Ronda View Point
From thePlaza de Toros, take the Paseo Blas Infante to the edge of the cliff. Start from the right side (ending in a dead-end street) and follow it to the end, you will walk along the edge of the cliff and will be able to admire beautiful views of the valley below.
Then turn back towards the Ronda Viewpoint a viewing platform that holds you out above the canyon below. The opportunity to scare yourself as realize the exceptional situation of this town perched on the cliffs meters above the valley below.
The Puento Nuevo
Continue on your way to Plaza España and you will finally see the Puento Nuevo (New Bridge), the main attraction of Ronda and the emblem of the city on all the postcards! You should definitely cross the bridge for a picture stop at the Aldehuela viewpoint.
Completed in 1793, after 42 years of construction, the Puento Nuevo crosses the valley and connects the old and new town previously separated by the El Tajo valley and the Guadalevin River. This spectacular bridge is nearly 100 metres high.
To have the most beautiful view on the bridge and take the perfect picture, follow the Calle Tenorio until you reach the Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora. A path will take you down to the first of 2 viewpoints .
Be careful, these viewpoints are not well secured, so watch your steps and your camera! Every year, hundreds of cameras are found at the bottom of the ravine.
Ronda’s Mondragón Palace
Mondragon’s palace, mixing Moorish architecture with Renaissance architecture for the later developments, it was built in 1314. It was formerly used by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand’s as their main residence when visiting Ronda.
Today it houses the Ronda Municipal Museum, which presents a permanent collection on the history of the town and examples of Roman and Arab tombs. You can also visit the palace’s gardens which offers a beautiful view over the old town.
Duchess of Parcent Square
Continue on to Duchess of Parcent Square(Plaza Duquesa de Parcent in spanish), considered as one of the most beautiful square in the city. It’s surrounded by several monuments including the city hall but the most remarkable is undoubtedly the St Mary Major Church.
The construction of this church took almost 200 years. Do not hesitate to go inside to admire its Gothic style nave and columns, its 2 floors Renaissance style choir and the beautiful baroque elements.
Puerta de Almocabar and the Arab Walls
Because of its geographical location, and thanks to its high walls and gates built during the Islamic period, Ronda was one of the impregnable cities of Andalusia.
In Muslim times, the Puerta de Almocabar was the main entrance to the city and the largest gate. It’s surrounded by two semicircular towers for defensive purpose.
Other ancient walls can be found in the eastern part of the city, with the Cijara Gate. In the western part, you can see the Albacara walls, built to protect the windmills. You can also see 2 other gates: The windmills (Puerta de los Molinos) gate and the wind gate (Puerta del Viento).
Ronda’s Arab Baths
When Going back to Ponte Nueve, you can make a detour and head to Ronda’s Arab Baths, located in San Miguel district. These are the most well preserved in Spain.
Built towards the end of the 13th century, they are arranged like the Roman baths with a cold, warm and hot zone. Surprisingly, the hydraulic system is still almost intact today.
You can still see the boiler used to heat the water. Take a look at the ceiling and you will see the star-shaped vents directly inspired by the Alhambra ofGranada and its baths.
La Casa del Rey Moro
Located in Calle Cuesta de Santo Domingo, this palace was built by the Moors in the 14th century, who installed an ingenious water pumping system.
The mine water system runs all the way down the gully to the Guadalevin River. You can also take a staircase cut from the rock of 236 steps and which goes down 60 meters to reach a platform allowing you to have a very nice view.
As you go back up, have a thought for the Christian slaves who, every day, made this journey to fetch water.
You can also stroll through La Casa del Rey Moro(House of the Moorish King)sumptuous gardens. Designed by a French architect, Jean-Claude Forestier (the same architect who built the Maria Luisa Park in Seville), these terraced gardens with canals and fountains are simply magnificent. And the view too!
Plaza del Socorro
Finish your city tour with the Plaza del Socorro, a pretty little square surrounded by bars and restaurants terraces. The ideal place to take a refreshing break to end this day of visits. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the Nuestra Senora del Socorro Church.
Thank You to Voyage Tips for this ronda information