Ronda Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
Most of the important sights in Ronda can be seen in a few hours as most are
located around the new bridge area and within the old part of the town over the
bridge from the Parador.
Begin at the bullring which is one of the oldest and most beautiful in
Spain. Adjoining Ronda’s bullring is the Bullfighting Museum which
displays interesting relics of Ronda’s bullfighting history.
Next go into the gardens behind the bullring, along Paseo Blas Infante.
From here are the best panoramic views over the mountains. Ronda is split into
two sections by a spectacular 100m deep gorge called El Tajo. On one side
is the old Moorish town and on the other is El Mercadillo which is a more recent
urban section. The two parts are joined by the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge).
This was built in 1751 and took 42 years to build. The Parador Hotel stands
right on the side of the gorge.
Did you know?
Apparently, after completing the bridge, its architect Martín de Aldehuela
was leaning over the side to check his work. As a gust of wind caught his hat,
he grabbed for it, lost balance and fell to his death in the gorge! |
From the gardens follow the path around the Parador where you'll get great
views of the gorge then cross the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) which takes you into
the old part of the town.
Did you know?
Have you read Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls"? Do you remember the bit
where where prisoners from a village were thrown to their death into a gorge?
Well his story was based on true events here in Ronda. |
Turn right into Tenorio, at the bottom of which is Plaza Maria Auxliadora
where you will find the Palacio Mondragon, a nobleman's house formerly
the home of King Abomelik. Follow the road round to one of the most beautiful
spots in Ronda, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent where you'll see three beautiful
churches (Santa María La Mayor is most impressive). This main square is
of Arab origin and housed the Mosque, market, jail and castle. The
ayuntamiento (town hall) was built in 1734 on the top of the old shops. It
was restored in 1818 after the damage caused by the French.
From here head up Calle Arminan where you will find a selection of quaint craft
and antique shops as well as three interesting museums: The Hunting Museum,
the Lara Museum and the Bandit Museum. At the end of the street
you find yourself back at the bridge and next to the Casa del Rey Moro
(House of the Moorish King) and the Convent of Santo Domingo.
The House of the Moorish King has wonderful gardens from which you can descend
to the underground mines built by Abomelik in the 14th century. If you head
further down this street (Marques de Parada) you'll come to a Renaissance
mansion called the Palacio del Marqués de Salvatierra then come to two
old town bridges dating back to 1616 (Puente Viejo). Finally at the bottom of
the hill you'll reach the well preserved Baños Arabes (Arab Baths) from
the 13th Century which were accidentally discovered when the house above them
collapsed.
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