Ronda

Ronda is worth a detour into the hinterland. The view of the 100 meters steep rock is impressive.

Neue Brücke, Ronda

Ronda was founded in the 6th century by the Celts, at that time under the name Arunda. The old town is situated on a steep rocky plateau, which is connected to the newer part of the town by three bridges. The most spectacular is the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) over the Tajo de Ronda gorge, built in the 18th century- about 100 meters is the descent from here down to the river Guadalevín. To take one of the famous photos, follow the path from Plaza María Auxiliadora to the viewpoint Mirador puente nuevo de Ronda.

Right next to the New Bridge, the bullring was built under the architect José Martín de Aldehuela. It was completed in 1785 and is one of the oldest and largest in Spain. From here the Spanish bullfight spread in its present form, you can find out more about it in the accompanying museum. We would like to add that the arena serves today only as a memorial for times long past, but unfortunately, bullfights still take place in the arena, although according to surveys the majority of Spaniards disapprove of this so-called tradition.

Walking through the old town you will also discover a few buildings in Moorish style. Most of them were unfortunately destroyed after the Reconquista, but a few witnesses of that time have survived, such as the Arab baths (baños árabes) or the Palacio de Mondragón, which today houses the municipal museum. In the convent and church Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor at the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, at least parts of the former mosque can still be seen: the prayer niche with Arabic inscriptions is preserved and also the former minaret that was converted into a bell tower.