Exploring the Beauty of Ronda: Must-Visit Places for Travelers

Exploring the Beauty of Ronda: Must-Visit Places for TravelersRonda is a picturesque Andalusian city. Its breathtaking views, stunning architecture, and rich cultural history attract tourists. With so much to see, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. Our guide will show you Ronda’s best sights whether you’re there for a day or a week. From ancient bridges to charming streets, there is no shortage of wonders to discover in this vibrant city. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Here are places to visit in Ronda.

1. Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)

The Puente Nuevo or New Bridge is the most famous landmark in Ronda. It is an impressive feat of engineering and a symbol of the town’s rich history. Built in the 18th century, the bridge spans the El Tajo gorge and connects the old and new parts of Ronda. Visitors can walk across the bridge and marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The bridge also has a dark history, as it was the site of many executions during the Spanish Civil War. Today, the bridge is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Make sure to include the Puente Nuevo on your list of must-see sights when visiting Ronda. 

2. Plaza de Toros de Ronda (Bullfighting Arena)

The Plaza de Toros de Ronda or Bullfighting Arena is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of bullfighting. As the oldest bullring in Spain, it holds a special place in the country’s cultural heritage and is considered to be one of the birthplaces of modern bullfighting. Visitors can explore the two layers of seating, each with five raised rows and 136 pillars that make up 68 arches. The Royal Box is particularly impressive, with its sloping roof covered in Arabic tiles. The museum underneath the Bullring’s seats is also worth a visit, with different artistic and historical pieces illustrating the Maestranza’s long history. If you’re lucky enough to be in Ronda in September, don’t miss the unique and historical bullfight, the Corrida Goyesca. 

3. Ronda Viewpoint

Ronda Viewpoint is one of the must-visit spots in Ronda, Spain. It offers a stunning view of the famous Puente Nuevo Bridge and the Tajo gorge that will leave visitors in awe. Walking down to the viewpoint is an adventure in itself, as the trail is steep but the view makes it all worth it. Visitors can see the bridge from a close distance and the waterfalls below it, making it a perfect spot for pictures. The viewpoint is also a popular spot for watching the sunset while enjoying the cool breeze of the evening. It’s a place that’s not to be missed for anyone visiting Ronda. 

4. Mondragón Palace

The Mondragón Palace in Ronda is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. Built in the early 14th century by the Moorish rulers of Ronda, it was later home to the Grenadian governors of the city before being bought by the Ronda city council and turned into a municipal museum. The palace boasts beautiful Moorish courtyards, lush gardens, and stunning views of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains from its balconies and windows. Visitors can learn about Ronda’s rich history from the stone age to the present day through its exhibits. Though it no longer has furnishings, the palace makes for a fascinating visit with its architectural features and beautiful gardens. 

5. Duchess of Parcent Square

The Duchess of Parcent Square, also known as the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, is a must-visit location in Ronda. This picturesque square boasts leafy green trees and stunning architectural monuments, such as the Church of Santa Maria del Mayor that took 200 years to construct. Visitors can appreciate the church from inside and outside, except when services are being held. The square is also home to two convents, the Caridad and the Clarisas de Santa Isabel de Los Angeles, where nuns sell delicious biscuits and cakes for Christmas through a revolving hatch in the door. The Plaza Duquesa de Parcent also features a restaurant, café, and cervezaria where visitors can sit and enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking up the ambiance of the square. 

6. Bandit Museum

The Bandit Museum in Ronda may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those passionate about bandits and the history surrounding them, it’s worth a visit. The museum is filled with detailed newspaper reports and articles about famous and historic bandits, many of which are in Spanish, so visitors should be prepared to do some reading. While the museum has only a few models reconstructing scenes from bandit history and may not be worth the entry fee for some, the value is in the well-documented reading material available. Visitors can gain a better understanding of the bandit culture and the infamous figures that shaped it through the museum’s curated collection of articles and reports. 

7. Puerta de Almocabar and Arab Walls

The Puerta de Almocabar and Arab Walls are a must-see destination in Ronda, Spain. The impressive stone gateway served as the main entrance to the town’s citadel in the 13th century. The horseshoe-shaped entrance with two semicircular towers still stand today, allowing visitors to walk along the ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andalusian countryside. The name of the gate comes from the Arabic word al-maqabir, which means cemetery, as it was located opposite to a Moorish cemetery. The gate is also known as the South Wall, Wall of Arrabal Alto, or Wall of Arrabal Nuevo. The Arab layout of the old city walls is still intact, making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts. 

8. Arab Baths

The Arab Baths in Ronda are one of the town’s most unique and beautiful attractions. Dating back to the 13th century, these baths are a testament to the town’s Moorish history. Visitors can wander through the various rooms, including the dressing rooms, the cold room, and the hot room. The hot room is particularly impressive, with its traditional star-shaped skylight and intricate tile work. While it’s not possible to actually use the baths for their original purpose anymore, visitors can still appreciate the stunning architecture and the history of the building. The Arab Baths are a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural history of Ronda. 

9. Casa del Rey Moro

Casa del Rey Moro is an 18th-century building in Ronda, Spain that contains a remarkable Muslim-era water mine, a Neo-Mudejar-style house, and Moorish-style hanging gardens designed by Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier in 1912. The gardens are declared a Site of Cultural Interest. The main attraction at Casa del Rey Moro is the well that dates back to the 14th century. However, visitors should be advised that the descent to the river level is steep and difficult and equivalent to walking down a 20-story building. The stairs are narrow and slippery, so caution should be used while descending into the rooms below. Apart from the well, the Weapons Room, Room of Secrets and Sala de la Noria are popular attractions in the water mine.

10. Plaza del Socorro

The Plaza del Socorro, located in the modern political center of Ronda, is a lively pedestrian area known for its bars and restaurants with outdoor seating. The plaza features the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, a church with twin towers constructed in 1956, as well as a statue of Hercules holding two lions by Nicomedes Diaz Piquero, representing the mythological story of Hercules taming the Nemean lion. The fountain in the plaza has been separated from the statues and the Ayuntamiento has added seating and plantings for shade. Visitors will enjoy the popular meeting spot and the continuing presence of the church in the square. 

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