Ronda

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Ronda is a city in Andalusia very often visited by tourists. It is located high in the mountains, about 1-2 hours from the major tourist cities on the Costa del Sol by rental car or bus. Ronda is with Gibraltar the most popular destination for day trips in the area. In season, hundreds of buses and thousands of tourists come up here by car from the seaside resorts on the coast. The visit of the old city is absolutely worthwhile, even if the hustle and bustle is a little annoying. Ronda is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Spain.

Ronda is an old city with many buildings worth seeing. But the absolute highlight is the location of the place. Spectacular things are hardly possible. The old town is separated from the rest of the city by a deep abyss. Three bridges connect the old town with the rest of the village. These buildings are a top achievement of the architecture and the most popular photo motive in Ronda. The New Bridge is the most famous, next to it there are the Old Bridge and the Arab Bridge.

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Old town: If one crosses one of the bridges into the old town, one is in the tourist centre of Ronda. In the summer, there is a lot of crowding here, one should better come in the early morning or evening, when the mega tourist streams are gone. Almost every house is a sight here. The old town is not very big, you can reach every point in 10 minutes on foot. Large parts of the old part of Ronda are Arabic influenced. The Arabs conquered over many centuries in the Middle Ages large part of Spain.  Worth seeing are for example the Arab baths, the palaces and the monastery church. Also the still existing sections of the city wall and much more should be seen. The old town is called “ciudad vieja” in Spanish. But many locals also simply say “La Ciudad”, which simply means “the city”.For them, this part of Ronda is the heart of the city—not only historically, but also culturally. Walking through the alleys gives a good impression of what life in an Andalusian city has been like for centuries.

Much of the old town is influenced by the Moorish period. For many centuries, Ronda was part of the Islamic Al-Andalus region. The influence of this era is still clearly visible today, for example in the architecture, the townscape, and several well-preserved buildings. Particularly worth seeing are the Arab baths, which are among the best-preserved in Spain. The Palacio de Mondragón, with its small museum and well-kept courtyards, is also worth a visit. Other important buildings include the Church of Santa María la Mayor, built on the foundations of a former mosque, as well as the remaining sections of the old city wall and several city gates, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The old town thrives not only on its sights, but also on its atmosphere. Whitewashed houses line the narrow, often slightly sloping streets, many with small courtyards, balconies filled with flowers, or wrought-iron railings. Numerous buildings are listed as historical monuments, and almost every house feels like a historic relic. There are quiet squares lined with orange trees, small cafés and bars, and in some places, views open up to the surrounding countryside or to the new town on the other side of the gorge.

Neustadt: On the other side of the bridges there are also some buildings worth seeing for tourists in Ronda. Above all, this is the world famous bullring of Ronda. The city is the cradle of bullfighting in Spain. Ronda is the birthplace of the modern bullfight, which is so controversial today. The arena can be visited, which several thousand tourists do every day. It is the most visited bullring in the world.

The new town, often called “El Mercadillo” in Spanish, is less historic than the old town, but still lively and interesting. Here you’ll find many shops, restaurants, cafés, and squares that invite you to stroll and linger. The atmosphere is more modern, yet still typically Andalusian. The separation between the old and new towns is marked by the impressive “El Tajo” gorge – a deep rock crevice that divides Ronda into two parts. The gorge is not only scenically spectacular but also one of the most famous photo motifs in Spain. The famous “Puente Nuevo” bridge, which connects the two parts of the city, spans this approximately 100-meter-deep gorge and offers breathtaking views. The combination of historical heritage, spectacular nature, and cultural highlights makes the new town a worthwhile part of a visit to Ronda.

Orientation Ronda: The railway station and the bus station are in the new part of town, about 300 meters apart. From here you walk about 20 minutes to the old town. The bullring of Ronda is about 15 minutes away, on the way to the city centre. From the Arena it is only a 5 minute walk to the Old Town. In the new town of Ronda there are many shops and a pedestrian zone. Here you can also find a huge number of hotels and especially restaurants. For many, the centre of Ronda is the Plaza Espana in the new part of the city. Here is the “New Bridge” to the Old Town, the most photographed place of Ronda.

Tourism Ronda: We didn’t find commerce in Ronda very pleasant. Some houses were converted into a kind of private museum. For about 5 Euro entrance fee one gets to see some interesting sounding things. They are usually less exciting, who has a limited vacation cash, should avoid these private museums. We have seen similar things in Spain so far only in the village of Guadalest near the Costa Blanca in eastern Spain. In Ronda you will also find many souvenir shops, fast food restaurants and the like. Quite a few restaurants in Ronda offer rather low quality at quite high prices. Quite a few holidaymakers have the unpleasant feeling to be excluded in Ronda. The perhaps best-visited restaurant is the Mc Donalds at the central Plaza Espana next to the bridge to the old town. Here, one at least knows what one gets. Many Asian, English and American tourists can be found here.

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How to get to Ronda: From all major towns on the Costa del Sol there are daily buses to Ronda. Thus, it is not necessary to book a more expensive day trip. The shortest way to Ronda from the Costa del Sol is from Marbella. The buses take about 75 minutes and cost about 8 euros (as of 2015). From Estepona, Torremolinos and Fuengirola (all three big holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol) there are also direct buses to Ronda. They all take the road via Marbella. The bus ride up to Ronda is absolutely worth seeing. One drives through woods and often has a great view back to the coast and the mountains. From the big city of Malaga there is also a train to Ronda every morning at about 10 am. The train goes back in the late afternoon. There are also long-distance buses from Malaga to Ronda. But it is much further from here to Ronda than from Marbella.

Climate Ronda: Those who want to come to Ronda in winter should take care that there is no snow. The roads to Ronda are mountain roads, which can be very dangerous when there is snow. You should also consider that many rental cars do not have winter tyres here. Ronda lies at an altitude of over 700 metres. However, snow is rare in winter, but it does occur. In summer it is much cooler in Ronda, especially at night than down by the sea. In spring and autumn one should not forget to bring a jacket during a day trip to Ronda. Also it rains more in Ronda than down at the coast of the sun.

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Ronda: Top 10 Sights

Ronda is a beautiful city in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, Spain. It is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, its historical and cultural richness and its unique architecture. In this article, we look at the top ten must-see attractions of Ronda that visitors shouldn’t miss.

Bridge Puente Nuevo :

Puente Nuevo is one of Ronda’s most famous attractions, a beautiful bridge over the deep canyon of the El Tajo River. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and city.

Plaza de Toros de Ronda :

The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and is considered one of the most beautiful. Visitors can tour the bullring and learn about the history and culture of bullfighting.

Alameda del Tajo:

The Alameda del Tajo is a beautiful park on the edge of a canyon with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can leisurely wander the park and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Banos Alaves:

Banos Alaves is a restored 13th-century Moorish bath. Century. Visitors can explore the thermal baths and learn more about the history and culture of the Moors in Andalusia.

Casa del Rey Moro:

The Casa del Rey Moro is a historical monument said to have been built by the Moors in the 18th century. century was built. Visitors can tour the building and learn about its history and architecture.

Church of Santa Maria la Mayor:

The Church of Santa Maria la Mayor is an impressive 15th-century Gothic church. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the architecture and learn about the region’s history and culture.

Lara Museum:

Museo Lara is a private museum housing a collection of artifacts and antiques from the region. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Ronda and Andalucia, as well as the different civilizations that have lived in the region throughout history.

Palace of Mondragon :

The Palacio de Mondragón is a beautiful 14th-century palace. Century. Visitors can explore the palace and its gardens and learn about the history and culture of the region.

Convento de Santo Domingo :

The Convento de Santo Domingo is an impressive 16th-century monastery. Visitors can tour the monastery and learn about the history and culture of the area.

Bandolero Museum :

The Museo del Bandolero is a unique museum dedicated to the history and culture of the bandits who roamed the Andalusian countryside in the 19th century. Here visitors can learn more about the life of the bandits, their customs and traditions, and their role in the history and culture of the region.

Puente Nuevo Bridge, Ronda

The Puente Nuevo Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Ronda in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, Spain. This beautiful bridge spans the deep canyon of the El Tajo River, connecting the old and new towns of Ronda. Considered one of Spain’s most impressive feats of engineering, it is a symbol of the city’s history and culture.

The construction of Puente Nuevo began in 1751 and was completed in 1793, which took more than 40 years. The bridge was designed by Spanish architect José Martin de Aldehuela, who was inspired by a Roman aqueduct. The construction of the bridge was a monumental undertaking as it had to be built through a 120 meter deep gorge and workers were forced to carve the stone by hand using simple tools.

The bridge is 66 meters high and 98 meters long. It consists of three arches, the largest of which is 42 meters wide. The bridge is made of stone and has a rustic facade, typical of Spanish architecture of the time. Above the bridge is a small tower that used to be a prison. Puente Nuevo played an important role in Ronda’s history and culture. It was built to replace an old bridge that could no longer withstand the city’s increasing traffic and population. The construction of the bridge was a major undertaking and it became a symbol of the city’s prosperity and growth.

In addition to its historical importance, Puente Nuevo offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Ronda. The bridge is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the warm tones of the sun illuminate the landscape and the bridge itself. Visitors can cross the bridge to enjoy the magnificent scenery or explore the area to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding canyons and mountains.

Puente Nuevo is also an important cultural landmark of Ronda. Numerous cultural events and celebrations take place here, including the Corrida Goyesca, a bullfighting festival held every September. The festival is held in honor of the famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, who was inspired by bullfighting in Ronda.

In summary, the Puente Nuevo Bridge is a major landmark not to be missed when visiting the city of Ronda. Its historical importance, stunning architecture and stunning scenery make it one of Spain’s most iconic and popular tourist attractions. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or natural beauty, Puente Nuevo will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits Ronda.

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Plaza de Toros de Ronda

The Plaza de Toros de Ronda, also known as the Ronda Bullring, is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Ronda, in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, Spain. The bullring is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

The bullring was built in 1785 and designed by the same architect who designed Puente Nuevo, José Martin de Aldehuela. The stone-built and neoclassical-style arena features two tier seating and can accommodate more than 5,000 spectators. The arena has a diameter of 66 meters and a sand-covered arena of 50 meters. Ronda’s bullring is not only famous for its architecture, but also for its important role in Spanish history and culture. Ronda is considered the cradle of modern bullfighting and the Ronda bullring played an important role in the development of this cultural tradition.

Bullfighting used to be considered an aristocratic sport and was held in small arenas and courtyards. The Ronda bullring was one of the first dedicated arenas and quickly became the most important bullring in Spain. The famous bullfighter Francisco Romero, considered the father of modern bullfighting, fought in the Ronda bullring and helped establish the rules and traditions of this sport. Today, Ronda Bullring is an active bullring, hosting several bullfights and festivals throughout the year. The most famous among them is the Feria Goyesca, a bullfighting festival that takes place every September. The festival is named after the famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, who was inspired by bullfighting in Ronda.

Visitors to Ronda Bullring can take a guided tour of the arena and learn about the history and culture of Spanish bullfighting. The tour includes a visit to a museum housing a collection of bullfighting souvenirs and artifacts, and a walk through the arena for stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Ronda. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Ronda bullring is also an important architectural landmark. Its neoclassical design and beautiful stonework make it one of the most beautiful arenas in Spain and testament to the skill and skill of the architects and builders who created it.

In short, the Ronda bullring is a must-see for any tourist visiting the city of Ronda. Its historical importance, cultural importance and architectural beauty make it one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in Spain. Whether you love bullfighting, history or architecture, the Ronda bullring is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors to this beautiful city.

Ronda Insider Tips – Fascinating Andalusia Off the Beaten Track

Ronda is one of the most spectacular cities in Andalusia, known for its dramatic setting atop a rocky gorge and its rich history. In addition to the well-known sights, there are many hidden gems and experiences that few visitors discover. Here are our best insider tips for Ronda:

1. Mirador de Aldehuela & Mirador de Guadalevín

These two viewpoints are less crowded than the famous Puente Nuevo and offer breathtaking views of the gorge and the city. A magical moment, especially at sunrise or sunset.

2. The Arab Baths (Baños Árabes)

The well-preserved 13th-century Arab Baths are somewhat hidden in the old town. They are a quiet spot and reveal a different side of Ronda’s history – far from the hustle and bustle of the main attractions.

3. Hike to Cueva de la Pileta

Not far from Ronda, you’ll find this impressive cave with prehistoric rock paintings. The tours aren’t very well-known, but they offer an exciting adventure into the past.

4. Old Town Alleys Away from the Crowds

Get lost in the winding, quiet streets around Plaza Duquesa de Parcent. Here, you’ll find small cafés, local craft shops, and can enjoy the Andalusian atmosphere undisturbed.

5. Wineries in the Area

The wine region around Ronda is becoming increasingly popular. A visit to a local winery, such as Bodegas Joaquin Fernandez or Descalzos Viejos, is a delight – including tastings and often with stunning views of the landscape.

6. Sunset from the Parador Ronda

The Parador (luxury hotel) in Ronda is spectacularly situated on the banks of the gorge. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth enjoying a coffee or a drink on the terrace at sunset – with a view of the bridge and the surrounding mountains.

7. Local Arts & Crafts

Ronda has a vibrant artistic community. In small galleries and studios, especially on Calle Virgen de la Paz, you can discover contemporary art and often chat directly with the artists.

8. Andalusian Horse Farms

Andalusia is known for its horses. Near Ronda, there are several stud farms where you can take a riding lesson or watch a demonstration of Andalusian horses – a truly unique experience.

9. Eat Like a Local

Away from the touristy restaurants, you’ll find authentic Andalusian cuisine – hearty, fresh, and no-nonsense – in small taverns like Bar Juan Antonio or Mesón El Sacristán.

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