What to do in Ronda
Ronda is known for it s beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and as the birth place of modern bull fighting. There is no shortage of things to do or places to explore in this great Spanish city. Whether you want to see ancient ruins, architectural wonders, or just have a relaxing stroll, there is something in Ronda for everyone.
Everything in Ronda looks like it belongs on a postcard. Once you come here you will see why people like Ernest Hemmingway and Orson Wells kept coming back year after year.
Bridges
Ronda has been a city since the days of Julius Caesar. While not much from its earliest Roman days remain, there are still many ancient wonders to visit. The most striking thing about Ronda is the large canyon and rocky cliffs that split the city in two, known as El Tajo. Three bridges span the chasm, and each has its own unique beauty and story.
The executions that begin Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls are rumored to have been based on real events that happened in Ronda’s El Tajo.
The three bridges are called Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), and Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), also called Puente San Miguel. The tallest bridge with the best view is Puente Nuevo. Although called the new bridge, it was completed in 1793 after almost 40 years of construction.
The other two bridges are spectacular in their own right and seeing the bridges from the city is enough reason to visit Ronda.
Bullfighting
Ronda is known as the home of modern bull fighting. The Corrida Goyesca is one of the most famous and unique bullfights in Spain. It takes place just once a year, usually in September, in the regal Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the oldest bull fighting ring in Spain.
Ronda is proud of its bullfighting heritage and even though the fights are only held rarely, they make up a significant part of any of the conversations between the citizens of Ronda. Bull fighting is so important that Italian designer Giorgio Armani designed the bull fighting costume worn on a particularly historic bull fight in 2009.
Cave Paintings
While Ronda may only date to Roman times, people have lived around the area since before cities had been invented. Around the outskirts of Ronda are any number of ancient ruins and important archeological sites. One notable feature is the Neolithic cave paintings found in many of the caves in the mountainous areas that surround the city. The best place for tourists to see the ancient paintings and remains is Cueva de la Plieta, just outside of Ronda. Here a family guides small groups through some of the most ancient and important of the paintings and pottery fragments.
Visitors will never have a shortage of things to do, but often one of the best things about Ronda is simply sitting in a café and looking around at the beautiful city and its people as the sun slowly fades behind the horizon.
