Ronda on the edges of Tajo Gorge
If you’re looking for the spectacular then Ronda is for you. One of the famous pueblos blancas (white villages) of Andalucia, it’s situated around a 330 feet (100 m) deep gorge with sheer rock sides called El Tajo, which has three impressive bridges spanning it. This town is old, originating with the Celts in 6BC. Later it was Roman, then Islamic, then Christian. In the 20th century it was decimated in the Napoleonic Wars and later the Spanish Civil War. Between these two events, the area became a bit of a home for bandits and now there is a museum to these outlaws: Museo del Bandolero.
These days Ronda has a population of 35,000. But it has many claims to fame aside from its beauty. The town was home to the Romero family who in the 17th and 18th centuries refined bullfighting to the style we see today. Its Plaza del Toros is the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, dating from 1785, and each year hosts a significant historic bullfight called the Corrida Goyesca. Ronda was also a favorite town for writer Ernest Hemingway and some of his civil war novel, For Whom The Bell Tolls, is based on events in Ronda. German poet Rilke also spent time in Ronda and his hotel room remains as it was in his honor.
In terms of sights to see there is the impressive Puento Neuvo, which is the newest of the bridges across the Tajo, although built in the 18th century. You can also make the climb down La Mina, a Moorish-era rock staircase to the bottom of the gorge and then visit the Arab Baths back in town to see how people once used to recover from such a steep climb!
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Andalucia tours and things to do, Andalucia attractions, and Andalucia travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Spain for a customized tour!
May 18, 2012 by Viator
Things To Do