City on a mountain in ronda spain. Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mauor. Church of St. Mary. Cuisine and restaurants

Rhonda is one of ancient cities Europe. It is located in the south of the country 100 km northeast of Malaga in Andalusia. The road to Ronda runs along the very edge of the cliff, and the city itself is built in the mountains on two massive rocky plateaus, separated by the El Tajo Gorge 100 meters deep. At the bottom of the gorge flows the river Guadalevín. The Puente Nuevo Bridge (New Bridge) connects the two parts of the city, and the view of the valley from it is one of the most beautiful in the country and even in all of Europe.

Ronda is a very calm and quiet city, people come here for beautiful mountain nature and ancient architectural monuments, but not for noisy entertainment.

Ronda is considered the birthplace of the Spanish bullfight. It was in this city in 1775 that the first arena for fighting was built - Plaza de Toros.

How to get there

From Moscow to Ronda can only be reached with a transfer.

• At first charter flight you need to get to Malaga (an average flight takes 5.5 hours), and then - on regular bus(1 hour 50 minutes, ticket price is about 10-15 EUR). Prices on the page are for August 2018.
• Another option is to fly to Seville, from there to Ronda by bus, the issue price is about 12-20 EUR.

It is also possible to get to Ronda by train, but it is less convenient than by bus - trains run rarely and you will often have to change trains.

• Trains from Madrid to Ronda run twice a day (both in the morning), the journey takes about 4 hours, the ticket price is from 40 EUR.
• You can get from Malaga by train in 2-3 hours, the fare is 10-14 EUR, two trains depart a day - at 10:05 and 16:48.
• The train from Seville leaves once a day at 12:50, travel time is about 3 hours, the fare is 42 EUR.

Search for flights to Malaga (nearest airport to Ronda)

Weather in Ronda

The climate in the city is moderately hot. Although Ronda is located at a distance from the sea (more than 100 kilometers), the Guadalevín river compensates for this disadvantage: the valley near the city is green and fertile. The average temperature is +5...+8 °С in winter and +25...+28 °С in summer.

Ronda Hotels

Ronda is a city popular with tourists, and although many of them come here one day, the accommodation here is quite diverse, and the prices for accommodation are moderate. The minimum cost of a room is only 25 EUR, although there are also expensive hotels with rooms from 100 EUR.

In the north of the city there are railway and bus stations, around them and closer to the city center there are modern and not very interesting sleeping quarters, to the south - new part the historic center (El Mercadillo), and further south across the New Bridge is the oldest part of the historic center - La Ciudad.

The modern part of the city and the quarters around the stations are convenient for those who are passing through the city: close to the stations and there are no problems with parking, unlike the historical center. Accommodation prices are 15-20% lower than in tourist areas, and the hotels themselves, although not so colorful, are comfortable and functional.

The historic center has many tapas bars, restaurants, shops and other things necessary for tourists. There are also many hotels here, and they are usually located in old buildings. In most of them, the rooms are small, there is no heating, so it can be cool here in autumn and winter - the air conditioner may not be able to heat a room with thick stone walls. Air conditioning is not available everywhere, but this is a very important condition, since the area is quite noisy and it will be difficult to sleep with open windows. The best hotel in this quarter is considered Parador de Ronda 4 *, located in the building of the former city hall. Each room has a balcony overlooking the gorge and the Puente Nuevo bridge, and the local restaurant serves excellent Andalusian cuisine, which not only hotel guests come to try. The cost of accommodation - from 110 EUR per day for a double room. For budget travelers there are more budget options- a good "three rubles" can be rented for 35-40 EUR per day.

In the Old Town (La ciudad), the most popular hotels are located along the gorge overlooking the valley. Almost all the buildings here are historical monuments, and the hotels in them are very colorful - with masonry and wooden beams, forged gratings and antique furniture. Heating and air conditioning are not available everywhere, but if without an air conditioner it is quite tolerable here (in houses with thick stone walls it is cool even in summer), then heating in winter is a necessary thing. Some hotels occupy entire palaces, for example Hotel Montelirio 4 *, located in a 17th century palace (accommodation costs from 100 EUR per night for a double room), as well as many small family hotels with cozy patios for 40-60 EUR per day.

The main event of the year in Ronda is the Corridas goyescas ("Goya-style bullfight"), which takes place annually in the first week of September. Hundreds of people come here, hotels are booked six months in advance, and their prices soar by 2-3 times. If you are not fans of bullfighting, it is better to plan a trip to this city for another time.

Shopping in Ronda

There are no large shopping centers and outlets in Ronda. In terms of shopping, this city is quite old-fashioned - there are many small family shops and shops selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to vegetables and sausages.

Calle Espinel (formerly known as Calle de la Bola) is a one kilometer long pedestrian street where all the shops of Ronda are concentrated. There you can buy handmade shoes and bags made of natural leather (including designer ones), jewelry, famous Andalusian ceramics, toys and souvenirs. The same street is the center of holidays in the evenings and at weekends, most of the bars and restaurants are located here.

Cuisine and restaurants

Ronda's cuisine is simple and "peasant", local establishments serve tomato soup with garlic, lentil stew, mushroom and asparagus dishes and, of course, meat. The population of Ronda hunts, so almost every second restaurant here cooks game. The most popular local dishes are fried goat, sausages in wine, stewed beef with potatoes, stewed rabbit, lamb and fried partridges (certainly from the gorge - it will be written on the menu), pork fillet stuffed with nuts, spicy lamb and much more.

For dessert, yemas del tajo (mogul) and various monastery sweets are served here. Local wine Serrania de Ronda is produced under the Sierras de Malaga brand and is considered quite good.

Tapas bars are concentrated on the pedestrian street Calle Espinel, you can have a bite to eat there for 10-13 EUR per person, including wine or beer. Restaurants are located both in the depths of the historical center (its old and new parts), and on the very edge of the gorge. The price tag in the second case will be higher - this is a surcharge for the view. On average, dinner at a Ronda restaurant with wine will cost 15-30 EUR per person.

City of Ronda

Guides in Ronda

Entertainment and attractions in Ronda

People rarely come to Ronda for a long time, there is nothing to do there for more than a couple of days. This small town You can literally walk around in a day, but this day is definitely worth it.

5 things to do in Ronda:

1. Go down the galleries inside the Puente Nuevo bridge to the bottom of the gorge.
2. Go to the Witch Museum.
3. Attend a bullfight in the largest arena in Spain.
4. Take a photo with the bronze bull.
5. Learn the meaning of the word "tauromakia".

A bit of history

Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city was founded in the 4th century BC by the Celts. Initially, it was a small village, often passed from one conqueror to another. Later, a castle was built in the village, which led to an increase in population, and in the time of Julius Caesar it was given the status of a city. The final name was formed after the capture of the city by the Arabs, who called it Izna-Rand-Onda ("City with a castle"), from where the current name came from.

The Arabs who captured the city called it Izna-Rand-Onda, which means "city with a castle."

Now Ronda consists of two parts: the Old Town and the New Town, founded in the 13th and 18th centuries respectively. Also in the 18th century, the Puente Nova bridge was built, connecting both parts of the city.

Architecture

First of all, it is worth visiting the Old Town (La Ciudad), which has preserved many historical architectural monuments: the Arab (Moorish) fortress of Alkabar, the Arab baths built in the 13-14th centuries, the cathedral church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacien of the 15th century. , which mixed Romanesque, Arabic and Gothic styles, but the main city attraction is, of course, the New Bridge (Puente Nova). This one high bridge in the city, its height above the bottom is 120 m, and inside there are galleries of descent into the gorge itself. In addition to it, the Roman Bridge (Puente San Miguel), built by the Arabs in the 13th century on the site of a bridge built in Roman times, and the Old Bridge are partially preserved in Ronda.

Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting. It was here that the first and still the largest bullring in Spain, the Plaza de Toros, was built in 1784. Near the Plaza de Toros there is a monument to the bull, and the arena itself is used for its intended purpose to this day. When performances are not being held on it, it works as a museum of tauromaky (the art of bullfighting), telling tourists about the development of this unusual action.

It is pleasant and easy to walk around the old quarter of the city - there are many old buildings, including the House of the King of the Moors (Palacio del Rey Moro) and the Muslim Gate Fortress.

The outstanding Spanish bullfighter Pedro Romero was born and raised in Ronda. It was he who established the basic rules in modern bullfighting. Having killed more than 6,000 bulls during his career as a bullfighter, he was never "put on the horns."

In the foothills of Ronda outside the city is very beautiful nature. These views were repeatedly sung in their works by the writers Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, who visited Ronda. In addition to beautiful landscapes, they were fascinated by the history of the city and the courage of its inhabitants, which was also reflected in their works.

Museums

The most unusual and popular among tourists museum in Ronda is the Museum of Witches (Museo Lara). The exposition is dedicated to witchcraft and the history of the Inquisition in Spain, a museum is located in a gloomy basement to heighten fear.

In the Wine Museum (Museo del vino de Ronda) the most interesting thing is the tastings. An excursion to the cellar costs 5 EUR per person (sample included). An excursion to the factory, where they will tell about the technologies for making local wine and how to store it, as well as give you a chance to try more interesting and expensive varieties, will cost 12-20 EUR.

The Robber Museum (Museo del Bandolero) is dedicated to the Andalusian bandits who once robbed travelers.

April 3rd, 2013

Want to see the real Andalusia? You need to deviate from traditional tourist routes and, having rented a car, go deep into Andalusia. And your path lies through Ronda - the birthplace of bullfighting, amazing city, hiding over the abyss.

The mountain range that shields the Costa del Sol from the north from the rest of Spain not only protects it from cold winds and snow in winter. At the same time, it separates the coast from the continental part of Andalusia. The inhabitants of Malaga and the province themselves call this area continental Spain. Having driven 40 km from the coast into the mountains, you find yourself in a completely different world, where there are not so many tourists, and in winter it even sometimes snows.

Andalusia is one of ancient centers cultures of Europe. This land was the cradle of many celebrities and geniuses: the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian, the two Senes, philosopher and orator, the poet Lucan - the “Spanish Aristotle”, the philosopher Maimonil, the famous Spanish artists Murillo, Velasquez and P. Picasso, the poets L. Gongora and F Garcia Lorca, musician M. de Falla. Famous navigators and travelers set out from the Andalusian ports to discover new countries, territories and seas.

The rhythm of life here is measured and unhurried, and how could it be otherwise: after all, almost every one of these towns is suitable for Torremolinos as great-grandfathers.

Ronda, Toloque, Antequera, Casares… The ruins of Arab, and in some places even Roman fortifications have been preserved in them. But, the main thing in them is not architecture, the ceremonial examples of which are enough in large cities. The naturalness of life attracts here, the rhythm of which, it seems, has not changed for centuries. Grapes and pomegranates straight from the tree, a noisy market in the morning, storks on the roof of the house evoke thoughts of the eternal and unshakable and give the best rest. Just do not abuse it, otherwise, accustomed to the crazy city life, you will soon get bored and want to breathe in the usual hustle and bustle.

Pay attention to the platform!

Armed with a map and renting a car, you can safely hit the road. However, when choosing a route, be careful: some of the mountains belong to the territory national parks which are closed to traffic most of the year. Be careful on narrow mountain roads. The number of routes in inner Andalusia is endless, but if you have little time, give preference to the one that passes through Ronda - small, but very ancient and interesting city. If you are heading from the coast, from the N340 just after San Pedro de Alcantara you need to turn into the mountains on the C339 road going to Ronda and Seville.

The route passes through the Seronia de Ronda mountains and you can admire beautiful view on the sea to Gibraltar, opening with each new turn of the serpentine. Ronda is located 54 km from the coast on top of a mountain above the river Guadaievin. This is one of the most ancient cities in Spain. But the city attracts tourists not only with its venerable age, but also with its unique landscape. The gorge of the Guadaievin River stretches for almost half a kilometer, its maximum depth is 100 meters, and its width is 50 meters. It divides the city into two parts - the ancient Moorish La Ciudad and the "new city" El Mercadillo, which appeared after the Christian reconquista in 1485.

Its founders are considered to be the Celts, who founded the settlement in the 6th century. BC e. and named him Arunda. The Greeks who then captured the village renamed it Runda. During the Second Punic War at the end of the III century. BC e. the Laurus castle was built in the village, which contributed to the growth of the settlement, and during the time of Julius Caesar it received the status of a city. In 711, the city opened its gates without a fight to the Arabs who invaded the Iberian Peninsula, who named it Izn-Rand Onda (city with a castle).

Ronda has been mentioned in history since the time of Strabo and Pliny. The Roman troops of Pompey and Caesar fought nearby, and in the Middle Ages it became the center of Andalusian bandits - bandolieros.

In 1485, King Ferdinand I the Catholic had to work hard to liberate the city from the conquerors, which is located on a hill and was of great strategic importance in those days.

The names of Theophile Gauthier, Alexandre Dumas son, Gustave Dore are associated with the city. Rainer Maria Rilke wrote the Spanish Trilogy here. Ernest Hemingway and David Bomberg have been here.

They all stayed at the Reina Victoria Hotel (Queen Victoria), built in 1906. It was built by the British as an exquisite resting place on the Alcejiras-Bobadilla railway.

There is a statue of Abbas ibn Firnas on the way to Baghdad International Airport, and another airport in the north of the Iraqi capital bears this name. A stamp with his image was issued in Libya. One of the Moon's craters is named after him, and in Muslim countries, Ibn Firnas is considered the first person in the world to create an aircraft on which he flew 1,000 years earlier than the Wright brothers. The flight lasted only ten seconds, and the 65-year-old “pilot” broke both legs upon landing, but still it was a flight. His witnesses were the inhabitants of Cordoba, who had gathered on such a significant occasion, who had previously seen the first parachute jump in history performed by ibn Firnas, if you can call it that a huge piece of cloth with which he threw himself from one of the towers of the city. Abbas ibn Firnas (810-887), a humanist, scientist, chemist and forerunner of aeronautics, was born in Ronda, one of the oldest cities in Andalusia.

More than seven centuries in the power of the Arabs left a noticeable mark on the appearance of Ronda, despite the fact that many architectural buildings of that period underwent transformations immediately after it was liberated from the Muslims. Rhonda is one of most beautiful cities Spain. A deep and steep gorge, known as Tajo de Ronda, divides the city into two parts: the old, or "La Ciudad", and the new. At the bottom of the gorge flows the Guadalevín, a tributary of the larger Guadíaro river. It took millions of years for Guadalevino to carve his way through the rock on which the city settled. The historic center of Ronda is, of course, in the old part of the city. At one time, the Arabs surrounded it with a fortress wall, fragments of which have survived to this day. The fortress gates bearing the names "Almocabar" and "Carlos V" have also been preserved in excellent condition.

It is best to start your walk in the "new city" from Plaza Esparto, where you can pick up a map of Ronda for free at the tourist office. It is easy to get lost in the small winding streets of Ronda, so be careful. In addition, you will definitely need to remember your sports achievements, as you will meet steep slopes everywhere.

South of the square is famous bridge Ronda - Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). It was built, albeit in the narrowest, but at the same time, the deepest part of the gorge. The bridge looks so impressive that looking at it from the side, you will surely compare it with a fortress. This architectural structure built from 1755 to 1793. The architect José Martin de Aldehuela, who was in charge of the construction of the bridge, fell to his death while checking the quality of the work performed. No one knows the total number of victims of the bridge, but probably the most people died here during the Civil War. For a time, there was a prison at the bottom of the bridge.

On the opposite side of the bridge, the old Moorish city begins. You can wander the winding streets lined with white-stone houses with balconies lined with bird cages that only enhance the beauty of these Renaissance mansions.

Turn left at Santo Domingo and walk until you reach Coso. del Rey Moro (Palace of the Moorish King). Despite the sonorous name, the palace was built only in 1709 on the site of an old Moorish house, when the Moors were no longer here. A wonderful view of the gorge opens from the garden of the palace, a staircase of 365 steps, carved into the rock, leads from here to the river. There is a legend that during the sieges, the Arabs put a chain of captives on it, who passed water in jugs upstairs. And allegedly the Arab ruler drank this water from goblets made from the skulls of his Christian enemies.

Below the Palace of Salvatierra, a road leads to the gorge, from which two ancient bridges depart. Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) was built in 1616 on the foundations of a dilapidated bridge, which was built by the Romans. The Puente Ardbe (Arabian Bridge) was created by the Moors during the caliphate - now they would hardly recognize it - it was completely rebuilt. Remains of Arab baths have been preserved near the bridge. Like famous baths in the Alhambra, their ceiling is decorated with star-shaped exhaust vents.

Climb up the hill and approach the Plaza de la Cludad (City Square). The City Hall is located in an 18th-century building overlooking the square. Nearby is the city's cathedral, the church of Santa Maria la Mayor (St. Mary). Like many Christian churches in Andalusia, it was built on the site of the main Moorish mosque of the city. The naves of the church are made in the late gothic style, A main altar plated with baroque gold leaf. The minaret is hidden under the walls of the bell tower, made in the Renaissance style. Of the Arab religious buildings in Ronda, a minaret was restored, which in its current life received the name, surprisingly, of the Christian Saint Sebastian - San Sebastian at the very end of Marques de Saluatferra street. Below the Cathedral, made in such an ascetic manner that it looks more like military fortress, are the ruins of the old Arab fortress Alcazaba. blown up by the French in 1809. Nearby is the Moorish gate Puerto de Atrnocobar, through which King Ferdinand triumphantly brought his troops into the city in 1485.

From the west wing of the church of St. Mary, Ronda de Cameras leads to a stone palace with medieval twin towers, known as the Casa de Moridragon. Captured in 1485 after the victory of Ferdinand and Isabella over the Moors, it was most likely the residence of the Moorish kings of Ronda. The inner courtyard of the house is made in the Mudéjar style (Arabic style of the Reconquista period) with carved ceilings and openwork stucco. Now there is a historical museum.

From the nearby Plaza Campillo, the road leads down into the valley past the remaining ruins of the fortress wall. From the square adjacent to the hillside on one side, there is an amazing view of the gorge and the slopes of the hills. From here, Calle Tenorio takes you back to Puente Nueuo u in El Mercadfllo, which is shopping mall cities with cozy hotels, restaurants, banks, bars and shops. The heaviest business life takes place in Plaza del Socorro and along Can-era de Espinel, the city's main shopping street.

The symbol of Ronda is undoubtedly the matador's cap and banderillas. After all, it is in Ronda that one of the oldest (construction was completed in 1784) and the most beautiful Plaza de Toros - bullrings in all of Spain is located. Pedro Romero (1754-1839), the founder of modern bullfighting and the city's most famous native, is said to have killed 5,600 bulls during his career. It was he who, during the battle, dismounted from the horse, and began to fight with the bull on foot. Museo Tawino (Museum of Bullfighting and Bullfighters), located nearby, displays posters of the first bullfights, which took place in 1785. Every year in September, the arena becomes the scene of the corridas goyescas, named after the painter Goya, known among other things for his magnificent drawings of bullfights. All participants in the performance and celebrities in the stands dress up for this occasion in the costumes of the times, the great artist. Now the arena belongs to Antonio Ordoñez, a well-known bullfighter in the past, on whose ranch Ernest Hemingway was very fond of spending time.

The shady park Alameda del Tajo (Poplar Alley) is located near the bullring. It was opened in 1806. The main alley ends with a magnificent balustrade, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

The color of Ronda's everyday life is best appreciated by leaving on a weekday morning on Calle de la Bola, starting at Plaza de Toros. Horses and donkeys pulling carts line the sidewalks next to souvenir shops and restaurants, and peasants from all the surrounding villages sell livestock, poultry, and fruits. From Ronda you can make interesting trips to the surrounding cities.

From the Tahoe Balcony, located right on the edge of the abyss in the new part of the city, there is a breathtaking view of the valleys far below. The symbol of Ronda is a stone medieval bridge almost 100 meters high, which connects the "old" city with its "new" part. In addition to its picturesque streets, in Ronda you should see the Mondragon Palace, the House of the Moorish King, the Arab baths and the Bullring Museum, which reflects the exciting events of bullfighting.

In the old city is main church Ronda, Santa Maria la Mayor, built in 1485 on the site of a mosque, of which one tower has survived. Not far from it is the Church of the Holy Spirit, built by the Catholic kings Fernando and Isabella in honor of the recapture of Ronda from the Moors. Nearby are the Alminar minaret, which belongs to the Church of St. Sebastian, the city hall, the palace of the Marquis de Salvatierra with a beautiful facade, the Giant's House, the House of the Moorish King with its wonderful garden, from where you can go down the stairs carved into the rock to the bottom of the gorge, and many other palace houses , cozy little squares, cobbled streets, museums and antique shops.

Particularly noteworthy is the Mondragon Palace, built in 1314 as the residence of the great Moorish king Abd el-Malik. Among its many patios, the Mudéjar "patio" stands out, lavishly decorated with brick, marble, tiles and wood. From here, through the characteristic horseshoe-shaped arch, you can go to the amazing garden. At the arch of Felipe V there is a chic observation deck "Moor's Chair", covered with legends of love and jealousy.

In the new part of the city, the pedestrian Carrera Espinel, or de la Bola, attracts the attention of tourists. In the old days, when it snowed quite often in Andalusia, the children had fun making snowballs, which, thanks to the slight slope of the street and its straightness, rolled down, reaching unimaginable sizes. Now this kilometer-long street is the center of the commercial life of the city: most of the different kinds of shops are located on it.

Bullfighting - business card Spain, born in Ronda, which is located in the mountains of Andalusia, 40 kilometers from the Costa del Sol, is the birthplace of bullfighting. Ronda is proud of its bullring, the oldest and one of the most beautiful in Spain. And this is no coincidence: the city is considered the cradle of modern bullfighting. Here, in 1700, the founder of the famous torero dynasty, Francisco Romero, was born, who became the pioneer of foot fighting with a bull, since until that time torero fought on horseback. His grandson Pedro Romero is the greatest figure in Spanish bullfighting: over 25 years of his career, he killed more than 5,600 bulls without getting a single scratch. Ronda is also home to another legendary bullfighter, Cayetano Ordóñez Aguilar Niño de la Palma (1904-1961). Ernst Hemingway dedicated his works “Fiesta” and “Death in the Afternoon” to Cayetano and his son, while Pedro Romero and his brother are immortalized in the paintings of Francisco Goya. The bullfighting museum is located in the arena.

The birthplace of bullfighting is located in the most picturesque place in Spain, because the city of Ronda is spectacularly located on two beautiful rocky plateaus. They are separated by the Tahoe Gorge, more than 100 meters deep with sheer walls. On the southern plateau is old City Ciudad, founded by the Arabs, where the fortress walls and architectural monuments of the period of Moorish rule (8-15 centuries) have been preserved. On the northern plateau in the 16th century, the new city of El Mircadillo arose. In the second half of the 18th century, the Spaniards built a unique bridge 98 meters high across the abyss, connecting the old and new districts of Ronda.

The bullring of Ronda has the status of a monument of history and culture. It was built in 1785 and has a diameter of 66 m, making it the largest in terms of area in the world. The arena is surrounded by two rings of the amphitheater with 68 arches of 136 columns. The local bullfighting museum exhibits chic torero robes with beaded inlays, sequins and galloons.

In 1954, a "Goya bullfight" was held in Ronda in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Pedro Romero. Since then, it has become traditional and is one of the most important events in the life of the city. It is held in early September and coincides with the main city festivities. "Bullfighting Goya" restores in detail the bullfights that took place two and a half centuries ago.


History buffs know that in the past, the mountains of Ronda were the refuge of the famous Spanish "bandoleros" - robbers. However, few people know that a museum has been opened in Ronda, which recreates the life and customs of the robber gangs that operated in this area in the 18th-19th centuries, and even at the beginning of our century. In the steep gorges of Ronda, such authorities of the past as Diego Corrientes, José Ulloya, nicknamed "Donkey's Belly", José Maria Hinojosa, nicknamed "Early Bird" or Francisco Rios "Flint", hid. The museum exhibits are amazing. A hand-drawn deck of cards with brown spots (either wine or blood), Navajo knives, saddles, pistols. On the yellowed newspaper pages - pale photographs - if you can make out anything, it's the crazy, burning eyes of bandoleros. Closer to the night, them wax figures can come to life in the imagination of an impressionable visitor if he accepts a glass of sweet malaga from the hands of a museum curator.

Ronda and its surroundings have given birth to such legendary and famous robbers throughout the region as José Maria el Tempranillo, Flores Arrocha and "Pasos Largos". The bandit with such a strange nickname ("Pasos Largos" - "Long Steps") was born in the same year as Lenin (1870) and was the last of the famous Andalusian "bandoleros". After spending 16 years in prison, in 1932 he was amnestied by the republican government "for health reasons" and for exemplary behavior in captivity. After being released, the 62-year-old brigand in "poor" health again went into the woods to do what he loved, and was killed in a shootout with the Civil Guard two years later.

10 km from the city is Ronda la Vieja with preserved elements of the Roman theater. The forest road in the direction of San Pedro de Alcantara will lead the traveler to El Pinzapar, a forest of Andalusian spruce ("pinsapo"). Ronda is final destination scenic route through the "white villages" of Andalusia, which originates in Arcos de la Frontera and passes through National Reserve Sierra de Grazalema. Its length is 76 km, the travel time, taking into account the overview of the sights, is about three hours.

Let's go to virtual tour. Click on the pictures and get to Spain.

Ronda (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Ronda with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Ronda (Spain)

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Ronda was first occupied by the Germanic tribes and then by the Visigoths, who ruled until the Arab invasion in 713. The Moors renamed the city Hisn ar-Runda ("Runda Castle"). They built the current historic center (La Ciudad), south of the gorge.

Ronda for a long time remained one of the last outposts of the Moors in Andalusia. The city was conquered by the Spaniards only in 1485, who then gradually forced out the remaining Muslim population. In the 17th and 18th century, Ronda expanded north through the gorge into a new city (El Mercadillo) and the Puente Nuevo, completed in 1793, connected it to the historical core.

In the 19th century, Ronda was home to numerous partisan detachments that fought against the troops of Napoleon, and then bandits and adventurers. During the Spanish Civil War, the city became the site of many battles. There is evidence that about 500 Falangist supporters were thrown into the gorge. Ronda has a rich bullfighting tradition and boasts one of the oldest arenas in Spain, built in 1785.

How to get there

Ronda has no access to a major motorway, but getting here by car from Seville, Malaga and Córdoba is not difficult. Buses from the above cities run regularly to the city. Rail connections are not very frequent, but there are options to get to Ronda from Algeciras, Córdoba and even Madrid.

Shopping and shopping

The main shopping street is Carretera Espinel, which runs from the arena to the east. Many shops can be found on the streets along the way to the bridge.

Food and drink

In the city you can find many restaurants and cafes with delicious Andalusian and Spanish cuisine. In the vicinity of Ronda, small wineries produce high-quality red and white wines.

Attractions

Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) - an impressive stone bridge, one of the symbols of Ronda. It was built at the end of the 18th century and connected the Mercadillo area and Old city. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the El Tajo Gorge.

La Ciudad is an old Moorish town with historic squares, narrow streets and charming old houses. This is the heart and soul of Ronda, which combines the atmosphere of an ancient Arab city and medieval Spain.

On the picturesque square of Duquesa-de-Parcent is the ancient church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was built on the site of a former mosque. The church has preserved four Moorish domes, but the interior is made in the Gothic style. To the west of the cathedral, on the edge of the plateau, is the Palacio de Mondragón. This beautiful palace in Moorish and Renaissance style. On Rue Armignane, there is a museum of bandits that illustrates their history from the 19th century. The bandits lived in the mountains surrounding Ronda.

Plaza de Toros is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. It was built in 1785. It is a monumental structure with an arena of 66 square meters and two tiers of arcade galleries for seating spectators. The galleries have elegant arches of Tuscan columns as well as royal cabinets. Ronda was the birthplace of the Romero dynasty, the matadors who developed the modern bullfight.

Arab baths - thermal baths of the 13th-15th century. Considered to be the best preserved Moorish baths in Spain. The baths were built along the Arroyo de las Culebras, a spring water source that has a perfectly preserved waterwheel from the Moorish period. Like the ancient Roman baths, the complex has cold, warm and hot baths (the heating system was completely hydraulic). However, the architecture exemplifies Moorish design, with a central hall and two rooms separated by characteristic Arabic-style arches.

Casa del Rey Moro or the home of the Moorish kings is an 18th century palace built on the site of a medieval well. There is a beautiful terraced garden. The palace has never been home to Moorish rulers.

Acipino is one of ancient places surroundings of Ronda with ancient Roman ruins. Although the origins of the settlement date back to the Phoenicians. This archaeological site is located on a high hill. Most of the ruins date back to the 1st-2nd century AD. Here you can see a typical Roman layout: fragments of the Forum or a public square can be found in the center of the hill, public buildings and baths were built nearby.

Socorro - church and square in Ronda. The church was built in 1956. Previously, there was a Christian chapel and a hospital. There is a fountain in the center of the square.

Ronda's location on top of a rocky hill has given the city a strong strategic as well as defensive value. The medina was built with well-defined boundaries. On the one hand, the old city was limited by a gorge, and on the other, by powerful walls.

Of the old city fortifications, the Almocabar gates, located in the southern part of the historical center, are well preserved. They were built in the 13th century and restored by Charles V. A new entrance was added next to it, with a square base and a Renaissance-style battlement tower. Another remarkable piece of city fortifications is located in the eastern part of the city. This area consists of a double protective line of walls where the Arab quarters are located, as well as the Arab public baths.

Monastery of St. Domingo was built by Catholic monks in the 15th century. By the end of the 18th century, the complex was practically abandoned and in the 19th century passed into private ownership. In its southeastern part, the original chapel has been preserved.

Church of St. Spirit is an old church, the construction of which began in the 15th century after the conquest of Ronda. This is a simple one-nave church in the Spanish Gothic style.

Arch of Philip V - consists of a single masonry vaulted arch with three peaks at the top and decorated with the coats of arms of the Anjou family.

Merced - antique religious building 16th century, which contains valuable works of art.

Church of St. Cecilia is a baroque stone building. It used to be part of a monastery that belonged to the Order of the Trinity.

Minaret of St. Sebastian - was formerly a small tower belonging to one of the mosques of Ronda, and then used as a bell tower for a church that has also disappeared. The tower has a square base. The lower part dates from the 14th century.

Ronda, one of ancient cities in the province of Malaga. To see the whole city and its surroundings, 6 hours is enough for a full walk around the city. For those who wish to stay overnight, the average price of a 3* hotel or apartment is 50-60€/day. Please note that in this city dinner starts very early, and by 8 pm many cafes are already closed, which means that apart from drinks, you will not be offered anything, so if you want to have a hearty dinner, it is better to start at 18:00.

Historical essay in Spanish architecture and art.

Not far from the current "New" Ronda was located ancient city Asinipo, which, nine centuries before the birth of Christ, was often visited by Phoenician merchants, apparently making good deals here. Today this place is considered the "Old" Ronda, in the ancient ruins of which the outlines of the theater are still preserved. The current Ronda - has many names in the era of the Celt-Iberians, it was called Arrunda, in the time of the ancient Greeks - Runda, and the ancient Romans called it - Munda. It is located just a few kilometers from Staraya Ronda.

City of Ronda

During the Arab era, 711-1485. the city was an important strategic hub and was called Medina al Runda. Due to its favorable location, the city repeatedly withstood the persistent onslaught of Christian troops. And only in 1485, thanks to false maneuvers and courageous actions of 40 thousand Christian soldiers and Ferdinand of Aragon, the city was able to be knocked out of the hands of the troops of Hammet el Zegri (the uncle of Prince Boabdil of the Alhambra) and take possession of the fortress and the city.

Later, after the marriage of the son of the Catholic kings, Prince Juan, to the Austrian Margarita, the city was given to the newlyweds as a wedding gift by the kings Isabelle and Ferdinand.

Due to the difficult local roads, these places for a long time remained a place of exile for people who fought against the injustice and arbitrariness of local rulers. But it was these people who were the first to stand under the banner of the national army in the struggle against the troops of Napoleon during the years of the War of Independence (1808-1812).

The current Ronda is a city with a population of 31,000 people, which is distinguished by its special friendliness and hospitality. This is an agrarian center with a great historical coloring, with numerous houses and palaces, decorated with family coats of arms, noble families that once lived here. A visit to the city will not deceive the hopes of those who plunge into its ancient streets and lanes.

How to plan a day in Ronda?

They go to Ronda for the whole day. Park your car at the very beginning of the city and go to walking tour. Offers beautiful views to the city and its district. The city is very small, so half a day is more than enough for it, it is best to include it as an intermediate stop between such large cities as Seville or Granada.

Ronda attractions

The most notable feature of Ronda is the huge natural mountain wall formed between the plateau on which the city is built. locals they call it Tahoe (cut, cliff) and this is really a huge abyss, which in some places reaches a depth of 300 m.

Top 10 things to see in Ronda. Walk plan.

1. Plaza de Toros de Ronda

2. Mirador de Ronda

3 El Puente Nuevo

4. Palacio Mondragon de Ronda

5. Plaza de la Duquesa de Parcent

6. Una Visita Inusual: El Museo del Bandido

7. Puerta de Almocábar y las murallas árabes

8. Baños Árabes de Ronda

9. La Casa del Rey Moro

10 Plaza del Socorro

Itinerary for Ronda and its surroundings with a description.

1. bull arena

We suggest starting your visit to Ronda from the Bull Square, one of the oldest in Spain. No wonder that Ronda is called the "cradle of bullfighting."

Built in 1785 by the same architect who built the New Bridge.

One of the best bullfighters in Spain who founded a school of bullfighting in Ronda. In the same building you can visit the bullring and the museum.

bull arena

Travel Tips

Starting the visit through the bullring in Ronda is a great idea because the tourist office where you can get a map and information is in the same square.

1. Mirador de Ronda

Not far from Plaza de Toros, keep right and follow the road to the end, this way you will pass along the edge of the cliff and enjoy a beautiful view of the valley below.

1. new bridge

Continue on your way to Plaza de España until you come across the Puente Nuevo, Ronda's main attraction, as well as the emblem of the city on all postcards! You need to cross the bridge.

Completed in 1793, after 42 years of construction, the New Bridge crosses the valley and connects the old and new village, previously divided by the Tagus Valley and the Guadalquevir River. This impressive bridge is almost 100 meters high.

For the perfect photo, follow Tenorio Street until you reach Plaza de Maria Ociliador.

new bridge

Travel Tips

Don't forget to drink water and wear a hat, because the path is without the possibility of getting into the shade, and climbing in the heat can cause you to experience a pressure drop.

1. Palace of Ronda Mondragon

Mondragon Palace was built in 1314, during the reign of Arab rule in Andalusia. Renaissance architecture mixed with Arab culture. Previously, during a visit to Ronda, the palace was used as the main residence of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.

It currently houses the Municipal Museum of Ronda, which houses a collection of Roman and Arab tombs and the history of the city in detail. You can also take a stroll in the palace gardens, which offer a wonderful view of the old city.

1. Duchess Parcent Square

Duchess Square is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the city. It is surrounded by several monuments, and at the end stands the Church of Santa Maria.

The construction of this church lasted almost 200 years and is a mixture of the Renaissance and Gothic.

1. Unusual visit: Bandit Museum

Yes, you read that right, Ronda has a museum of the most notorious criminals. It is located next to Dukes Square, on Cal Armin Street. This museum traces the history of the city's most notorious bandits with photographs, documents and anecdotes from their lives.

Among them we will see what were the bullfighters, singers and, of course, smugglers. These people, a kind of "Robin Hood" they robbed the rich to help the poor. Although they were generous, they were ruthless killers of the rich.

1. Puerta de Almocabar and Arab Walls

If you continue along Arminana Street and Cuesta de las Imagenes, you will reach Puerta de Almocabar, the old gate of the city, and the only place through which you could enter the city in the 13th century.

Thanks to his geographic location and thanks to its high walls and doors built in Islamic times, Ronda was one of the impregnable cities of Andalusia.

In Muslim times, Puerta de Almocabar was the main entrance to the city and the largest gate. It is surrounded by two semicircular towers for defensive purposes.

Other ancient walls are found in the eastern part of the city, with the Puerta de la Chijara. In the western part you can see the walls of Albacara, built to protect windmills. You will also see 2 other doors: Puerta de los Molinos and Puerta del Viento.

1. Arab baths of Ronda

Returning to the new bridge, head to the Arab baths of Ronda, located in the vicinity of San Miguel and one of the best preserved in Spain.

Built at the end of the 13th century, they are designed as Roman baths with a cold, warm and hot zone and baths. Surprisingly, even today, the hydraulic system is practically intact.

You will even be able to see the boiler used to heat the water. Pay attention to the ceiling and you'll see star-shaped vents inspired by Granada's Alhambra and its royal bathrooms.

1. House of the Moorish King

The King's House is located on Cuesta de Santo Domingo, this palace was built by the Arabs in the 14th century who installed an ingenious water supply system.

The water system of the mine runs along the gorge to the Guadalquivir River. For the adventurous, one can climb down a 236-step, 60-meter-deep staircase carved out of the rock to reach a platform that offers a very beautiful view.

As you climb back, remember the Christian slaves who daily made this ascent with water.

King Mauro's Palace

You can stroll through the luxurious gardens of La Casa del Rey Moro. Designed by the French architect Jean-Claude Forestier, he also designed the Maria Luisa Park in Seville, these terraced gardens with canals and fountains are simply magnificent.

1. Plaza del Socorro or Help Square

End your visit to the city at the Plaza del Socorro (Square of Help) surrounded by terraced bars and restaurants. It will be the perfect place to refresh, dine and end the day. You can admire the beautiful view of the Nuestra Señora del Socorro church.

Socorro Square

Travel Tips

During your visit to Ronda, you can park in the underground car park under the square. This is the best place to park as you will be able to start your journey right in the center of the city, close to all the attractions you cannot miss.

Optional: 2 more things to visit near Ronda

Andalusian winery

Not so long ago, Ronda was included in the official list of the Andalusian wine route. Hidden in the midst of nature, small wineries produce excellent Spanish wine that is increasingly appreciated internationally.

IN wine route About 20 establishments are registered, and some of them, of course, can be visited with wine tasting.

The 2 most famous and visited wineries are Bodegas Descalzos Viejos and Bodegas Chinchilla located right in the monastery.

Ruins of Acinipo

Achinipo is located 20 kilometers from Ronda, this place is an archaeological site. Once it was the capital of the region.

Outskirts of Ronda

The best preserved archaeological element is the Roman amphitheater. Their stands were dug directly into the rock, using a natural slope. You can admire numerous Roman architectural remains, Pima thermal baths. Environment very beautiful, overlooking the mountains and the Sierra de Grazalema.

Ronda on a map with sights marks

Weather in Ronda

What is close to Ronda?

25 km from here is Marbella, the city center - a gathering place for the most elite public and millionaires, as well as a large number of luxury hotels. If you want to buy an expensive gift, the best place to do it is in Marbella. Yes, it will be expensive, but at least you will enjoy the grace of being helped to get rid of the money. At 171 km of the route is Port Banus with its luxurious restaurants and marinas where you can see amazing yachts - some of them true masterpieces.

After a couple of kilometers we drive up to the city of San Pedro de Alcantara. From here there is a new road to the mountains to Ronda, a beautiful route among magnificent landscapes. From here, in good clear weather, you can see the Gulf of Gibraltar and the distant coast of Africa. The road was built on the site of the old one, with sharp turns and dangerous descents, which are no longer on the new route. On this road, you can leisurely drive from San Pedro to Ronda in just 1 hour, either by car or by bus.

Most interesting excursions in Ronda from the best guides you can find on the website

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Practical information for your trip to the Spanish city of Ronda in Andalusia.

If you are thinking about what to see in the south of Spain near Marbella and Malaga, then the first thing you can advise is, of course, a small, but incredibly beautiful and colorful Andalusian town ronda. History buffs will be interested in visiting the place, which is considered one of the most ancient settlements in Spain. Fans of breathtaking scenery will be delighted to see the town on steep cliffs with its impressive bridges, as well as the panorama of Andalusia from an altitude of about 740 meters above sea level. "Collectors" of attractions will be pleasantly surprised by how many interesting architectural objects of different periods (from antiquity to the 20th century) have been preserved on the territory of Ronda. And travelers who are not alien to the “literary trail” will certainly want to see the city that inspired the writer Ernest Hemingway and film director Orson Welles, the modernist poet Rainer Maria Rilke and many others.

Where is located and how to get there

Ronda is located in the Malaga province of the Andalusia region, at a distance of ~100 kilometers from the center of the same name in the province of Malaga, ~65 kilometers from Marbella, ~140 kilometers from Seville.

The most convenient way to travel around the south of Spain is by renting a car. Bus excursions to Ronda are also organized from many major cities in Andalusia. The city has railroad station, so you can get here if you wish, and on your own by train.

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An organized tour is nice because you don't have to think about parking (which, like other super popular tourist places, is expensive).

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At the entrance to Ronda and in the city itself, there is no shortage of paid parking lots, but finding a free place (there are also some) in the season and with the influx of tourists can be problematic. One of the most convenient paid ones is on Av. Martínez Astein, is located about 10-12 minutes walk (~1 kilometer) from Puente Nueva (New Bridge), the main symbol of Ronda. This parking lot is also great because the path to all the main attractions of the tourist town passes from it through the main shopping street Carrera Espinel. That is, along the way, you can also slowly choose local souvenirs. Another option is a parking lot called Parking Público.

TOP attractions in Ronda

El Tajo (Tajo) di Ronda- the gorge through which the river Guadalevin flows. The river divides Ronda, located on the rocks, into two parts. The depth of the Tahoe Gorge in places reaches 120 meters; it is crossed by three majestic stone bridges, not least because of which hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year. This Roman bridge, Old And New bridges.

Puente Nueva (New Bridge)– Bridge of the 18th century (built between 1759 and 1793). This is the highest and long bridge in the city, it is from him that the very breathtaking views that are captured on all postcards open.

Mirador (observation deck of the New Bridge). Usually tourists are limited to walking along the New Bridge, but you can go down the steep path and look at the bridge (and take beautiful photos) from below. To do this, you will need comfortable sports shoes and desire (as well as physical endurance, it is better not to go on this walk for the elderly or people with any health problems). To get to the observation deck, you must first of all find the Plaza de María Auxiliadora, and from there start descending along an inconspicuous path. The way back is harder, because you have to climb the same path that you went down.

Lara Museum- a large private collection, a mixture of historical and local history museums with a huge number of exhibits. It might be boring, but the museum pleasantly surprises with interesting gizmos, including a collection of ancient swords and knives, watches, archaeological finds, as well as exhibitions dedicated to the history of cinema and photography. There are rooms dedicated to the art of bullfighting, the occult and witches, as well as the history of the Inquisition. And all this in one building - a palace that previously belonged to the city's nobility.

Old town of Ronda is definitely one of the top attractions.

In Andalusia there is such a thing aspueblosblancos - "white villages" (or cities). These are settlements typical of the south of Spain (north of Cadiz, in the vicinity of Malaga), most of the houses in which are painted white, and the roofs have red or brown tiles.Pueblos blancos as examples of the traditional architecture of this area are very picturesque and of great interest to tourists. Ronda is a bright representative of this category, although it is not a village, but a real city.

Wandering through the narrow white streets of Ronda, especially late at night or during siesta hours, when there are few people here, admiring the elegant decorations of doors, windows and terraces is an incredible pleasure.

Bullring (Plaza del Toros). It is believed that the large bullring in Ronda is the oldest in Spain. It was built at the end of the 18th century in the neoclassical style, and the author of the project was the same architect who designed the New Bridge - Juan Antonio Díaz Machuca. In addition, when walking around the city and admiring the landscapes, one should not forget that the first traces of the presence of people in the vicinity date back to the Neolithic era - this is the 7th millennium BC. e. - 18th century BC e.

old bridge– pedestrian bridge in Ronda, which was erected in 1616. It is, let's say, less "spectacular" than New, but no less charming.

roman bridge- the oldest in the city, it was built by the Romans and is perfectly preserved. Often called "Roman" Puente Nuevo, but it's not.

Arab baths XIII-XIV centuries- also a very well-preserved architectural object, today it is a museum and the entrance here is paid (3 euros). Inside you can learn the history of this place, watch a movie, etc. I definitely recommend taking a look.

Museum of the Robbers (Museo Del Bandolero)- Another notable museum in Ronda, because this is the only museum in Spain dedicated to the Andalusian bandits and the robbery past of these places. In the five small halls of the museum, you can trace history, see real faces (pictured) and imagine the life of cruel "bandoleros" who robbed travelers and then hid in the mountains. Interesting souvenirs.

Pseudo-Moorish Palace La Casa Del Rey Moro with park where peacocks live. This building was built in the 18th century in the Moorish style, when only memories remained of the Arab presence in these places, and the park and gardens were created at the beginning of the 20th century by the eminent French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier (he was also the author of such a major Spanish project like the Maria Luisa Park in Seville). Going down one of the secret stairs, you will find yourself at the bottom of a deep gorge with incredibly beautiful blue water.

I have not listed all the sights of Ronda (there are many ancient churches, villas and several other museums in the city), but the most interesting ones, in my opinion.

How much should you allocate to visit this Andalusian city? Usually organized excursion to Ronda takes one day (round trip and sightseeing, plus wine tasting or something like that). This is logical, and it is quite possible to explore the city in a full daylight hours. However, if you have time, you can stay overnight in Ronda, walk along its white winding streets, for example, early in the morning and after dark without crowds of tourists. The city has many shops, restaurants and bars, so there will be no questions about what to do in the evening.

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Ronda photo