Ronda, Spain

Although I visited Spain a few years ago now, I still wanted to write about Ronda, one of the “white hill-top towns” in the Andalucia region. With its gorgeous bridge and gorge it is just too scenic to miss! We were able to catch a bus from Seville, store our luggage, and wander the city before catching the train to Granada. As we walked into town our first destination was this scenic park, Alameda del Tajo. The tree lined walkway led to some fantastic views of the valley below.

We strolled along the promenade that hugs the cliff, taking in the views and snapping photos as we went.

Eventually we turned a corner and found ourselves gazing at the Puente Nuevo or New Bridge. Believe me the bridge is as spectacular from the top as it is from the bottom. Construction of this bridge began in 1759 and took 34 years to complete. There is a small room above the central arch that was used as a prison during the Civil War between 1936-1939…as well as a place where prisoners were thrown into the El Tajo gorge below!

We found the trail leading down to the gorge and the incredible views of the bridge that you often see. There was some kind of skills camp going on for rescuers that you can see to the right on the cliff-face.

After taking lots of pictures we made our way back up the trail, grabbed a bite to eat and meandered around the city. We found St. Mary Major Parish, which was built where the former Moorish mosque once stood, and the Ronda City Hall, both worthy of pictures with their archways and pretty golden colouring.

We walked back along Calle Arminan, the main road that goes through Ronda, and discovered the views to the east of the main city where the white buildings spread out over the hill. Ronda was occupied by the Moors for 773 years, and as you stroll through the city you will notice some of the buildings have the architectural style from that period.

We had lots of time left so we headed over to the bullring. The Plaza de Toros in Ronda has been around for over 200 years and is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. It actually has the largest diameter of any bullring in the world. Ronda is known as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, and this bullring is definitely worth a visit. The entry includes the museum, the stables, the chapel, and the bullring.

Although the day had started out overcast, the sun started to shine as we found a spot to sit and relax with a drink before heading on to Granada. Ronda is central to many larger cities that you may be visiting in this region and is definitely worth a visit! For more ideas on what to see in this area of Spain check out my Andalucia itinerary here.