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The picturesque white town of Ronda is famous for its fascinating cliff-side setting along the Tajo gorge and the monumental New Bridge that spans across it. If it looks impressive in photos, wait until you see it in person – it will take your breath away.
Ronda’s old Moorish quarter is surreally perched on the side of a cliff, which surrounds the town in almost 360 degrees. Like an island in the sky, this unique location made it perfect for a fortified enclave, even having its own water source from the river below. The Guadalevín river that runs through the bottom of the gorge has supplied water to Ronda’s residents throughout history. The Moors created a mine and carved steps into the cliff wall down to the river to secure water access. In 1485, Christian forces managed to overcome the fortification that was used to access the river and the Moors lost the city.
Besides the bridge and the gorge, Ronda is also the birthplace of modern bullfighting and home to one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. The interesting story of how bullfighting grew from the need to train horses for war is told in the bullfighting museum.
Today, Ronda still retains the historic charm that in the past attracted such famous writers as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Beyond its impressive New Bridge and its bullfighting heritage, Ronda is a pleasure to get lost in. Its incredible location, along the walls of the canyon, makes for an array of astonishing views waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s by wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, enjoying a cold drink on a veranda next to the New Bridge, or just watching the birds glide through the canyon – Ronda is a town that begs visitors to slow down, take in its beauty and relax.
