Ronda, Southern SpainRonda is known as "the Eagles' Nest" perched high in the Serrania de Ronda mountains in Andalucia Southern Spain and famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views. Located in Andalucia which runs along the Southern Mediterranean, you will be charmed by Spain's second largest region for this is where most of what is distinctively Spanish such as Flamenco and bullfighting originated. The walls that surround Ronda were built by its Moorish rulers in the 13th century, and was one of the most securely defended settlements of its time. Even though some of its outer walls have fallen, only two paths, two gates and one bridge offer routes out of the fortress city. Built on a cliff edge, the city offers incredible views of the mountains beyond. However, the main attraction for most visitors is to walk along the 18th century Puente Nuevo bridge crossing over the El Tajo gorge to gaze down at the 120m chasm below. 
Once a year the Virgen de la Cabeza pilgrimage takes place and fills Ronda with bright colours and festive music. A procession of the 'Virgin of the Head' statue from the La Merced Church is carried across the Puente Nuevo bridge, and many of the female participants are dressed in fancy flamenco dresses whilst the men are in traditional country attire.
This historic city is also famous for being the birthplace of modern bullfighting. It was here where the legendary Pedro Romero, in the 18th century, broke away from horseback bullfighting and created a style where matadors stood their ground on foot against the bull. The 'Corrida Goyesca' is a unique and historical bullfight that takes place once a year in Ronda in the Plaze de toros de Ronda, the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain. It is really not surprising that such famous creative minds such as Orson Wells, George Elliot and Ernest Hemingway spent many summers in Ronda, claiming its history and beauty inspired their work. Indeed Ronda featured in Hemingway's novel 'For whom The Bell Tolls'. With national monuments like the bell tower of Minaret of San Sebastian, the Church of San Sebastian, the Mondragon Palace there are so many interesting, historical buildings to see. 
If you are looking for accommodation, look no further than the Hotel Parador Hotel which is located right next to the bridge on the edge of the gorge. Here guests can admire the view from their bedroom window or enjoy a panoramic view from the poolside. The Parador has sixty twin bedded rooms, ten double bedded rooms, a suite and eight duplex rooms and the restaurant serves local Andalucia specialties and international dishes including a special menu for those on a gluten free diet.
Outside Ronda there are many other places of note to explore such as the ruins of Acinipo and the prehistoric paintings of the Pileta caves. The caves date back 5000 years and were discovered on a local farmer's land in 1905 where to this day his family still take visitors on tours by candlelit. However, this two kilometre cave system is not recommended if you suffer from claustrophobia or a fear of bats! If that is the case, you may prefer to explore the Nieves and Grazalema Natural Parks instead, which can done either on foot or on horseback. With regular flights into Malaga, getting to Ronda could not be simpler with cars, trains, buses and taxis at your disposal. Ronda is one of many historical towns in Andalucia and should you decide to hire a car and tour the region, this would be the perfect place to start. |