Ronda. Sightseeing

Ronda, what to see

Ronda is a breathtaking city in Spain, located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Málaga, in the south of the Andalucía region.

The locality is known for its history, culture and stunning views, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking for an authentic Spanish experience.

If you are planning to visit Spain, you just have to see the famous sights of Ronda. But first, I'd like to tell you about the formation of Ronda as a city.

A bit of history..

Ronda, a small town with a rich past, has a documented human presence dating back to the Neolithic and early Copper Age (5th-4th millennium BC), when seasonal settlements were established here. Palaeolithic rock paintings, of particular interest, are found in caves such as Cueva de la Pileta.

According to one version, its name comes from the Celts, who called it Arunda in the 6th century BC. In the following centuries, the Phoenicians settled on this land and founded the nearby village of Acinipo.

Ronda, as a city, was formed after the Second Punic War, when the Roman general Scipio ordered the construction of the castle of Laurus. During the time of Julius Caesar, Ronda achieved city status and the inhabitants of the settlements were given the status of Roman citizens.

The 18th century was a century of active construction, especially with the construction of the new bridge that linked the two parts of Ronda, contributing to its further development. The 19th century is characterised by the romantic image of the city, symbolised by traditions such as bullfighting, but the cultural heritage of the place is much richer, which forms its unique appeal in modern times.

Now, let's take a look at the main places to visit in this small but unique locality.

Ronda, what to visit

All the main tourist spots are close to each other and can be explored in a day or two. But if you have the time and desire, it is certainly advisable to spend more days here.

As usual, sightseeing in any city, start with the historic centre.

If you're travelling by car, it's best to park it in the car park, it's called Parking Ronda. The car park is located very close to the centre - just a 10 minute walk. The rate is about 2.20 euros per hour - not too expensive, we are on holiday after all. Don't forget the parking rules, do not leave your car in places with a yellow line, otherwise your car may be towed away. But let's not talk about sad things.

So, let's begin our walk:

Historic Centre of Ronda

One of the first points on your list should be the historic centre, which can transport you back in time with its narrow streets and traditional architecture.

Walking around the old town, you can see many charming white houses, perfectly preserved from ancient times.

Don't miss Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, which is one of the most famous squares in the region. There you can also see a fountain as pretty as the square itself.

Plaza del Socorro is one of Ronda's most important and popular attractions. Ideally located in the heart of the historic centre, Plaza del Socorro is a must-see for all tourists looking to experience the unique atmosphere of Andalucía. Here you can visit the magnificent Church of Nuestra Señora del Socorro.

New Bridge

When it comes to what to see in Ronda, the first thing that comes to mind is the majestic Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which is why we tourists come here.

This 18th-century architectural masterpiece took 40 years to build, connects the old part of the city to the new, and is one of the most photogenic sights. The bridge offers incredible views of the El Tahoe Gorge and the surrounding scenery. A very picturesque place!

Bullfighting arena

Another important attraction in this Andalusian town is the bullfighting arena, the Plaza de Toros. This is one of the oldest arenas in the country and is where modern bullfighting as we know it originated.

Visitors can tour the arena as well as a small museum dedicated to the history of such a spectacular sport.

Mondragon Palace

Mondragon Palace (Palacio de Mondragón) - a fine example of architecture from the era of Muslim rule.

Inside, there is an archaeological museum that tells the story of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Its construction dates back to the XIV century, when it served as the residence of King Abd al-Malik and later became the home of Catholic monarchs.

When you visit the palace, you will plunge into the atmosphere of the past, exploring the preserved archaeological artefacts, interesting elements of decoration. The main attraction of the palace is its ornate patios and gardens, which will take you back to the Alhambra era in Granada.

Stroll around the picturesque terraces while enjoying views of the valley and hills of Ronda.

Don't miss the courtyards and the magnificent Andalusian pottery framing the fountain, which has come to symbolise tranquillity and peace.

The exhibitions inside the museum are dedicated to archaeology and, of course, the history of the area, allowing you to learn more about the cultural heritage of the area. You can see ancient artefacts found near the town, study in detail reconstructions of everyday life of past eras. Entrance is paid, but inexpensive - 3 euros. Interesting, informative for all ages.

Other Sights in Ronda

Cuisine of Andalucía

Don't forget to savour the local cuisine as well. Ronda is full of cafés and restaurants where you can savour typical food of andalucia, such as tapas, a variety of seafood, jamón and the region's famous wines. The city is also known for its sweets, especially alfajores, a local dessert that is a must-try.

Natural wonders

If you have already visited all the places of interest but still have time for a walk, nature lovers will love it here - there are many trails around Ronda, including hiking trails, where you can enjoy the natural wonders. The Sierra de las Nieves National Park, for example, offers scenic walks to enjoy beautiful views of the local flora and fauna.

And for lovers of outdoor activities and adrenaline, there is also something to do: 1 hour from Ronda there is a very interesting King's Path - Caminito del Rey. A walk along a narrow canopy path about 1 metre wide in the Garganta del Chorro gorge will give you an unforgettable experience!

Ronda combines rich history, impressive architecture and natural wonders. It is a unique place that is worth seeing for anyone interested in the culture and traditions of Spain. Don't miss the chance to explore the attractions of Ronda and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this amazing city.