Ronda: Gorge, Bridges and Andalusian Culture

Landscape and Bridge

In Ronda, the Tajo del Ronda gorge refers to a more than 100-meter-deep ravine that divides the urban area. The Puente Nuevo connects the Mercadillo and Ciudad districts. In some places, the bridge is approximately 98 meters high and 70 meters long.

The spatial relationship between the gorge and the bridge can be seen in the two districts: the Tajo del Ronda divides the urban area, while the Puente Nuevo establishes the connection between Mercadillo and Ciudad. The dimensions of the structure remain approximate and describe its height and length separately.

Culture

The Plaza de Toros de Ronda was built over a period of six years before it was inaugurated in 1785. The structure is made of sandstone and has two arcaded galleries. This arena does not have open spectator stands. The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is considered one of the oldest and most monumental bullrings in Spain.

Visitors can view a collection on the art of bullfighting in the arena. The areas open to visitors there also include the Real Guarnicionería de la casa de Orleans, the Galería Ecuestre, and the history room of the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda.

The historical context of the arena includes both its six-year construction period and its inauguration year, 1785. Its two arcaded galleries and the sandstone used define its architectural description, while the areas mentioned complement the collection and rooms of the Real Maestranza.

History

The Iglesia de Santa María La Mayor stands on the site of Ronda’s former main mosque. Construction work began in 1485 and was completed at the end of the 17th century.

The Casa del Rey Moro consists of the Mina de Agua, dating from the Muslim period, a Neo-Mudéjar house, and a garden designed in 1912 by Jean Nicolas Forestier. The Neo-Mudéjar house is currently being restored. The Mina de Agua leads through a gallery down to the riverbed of the Guadalevín, which lies approximately 60 meters below. The historic garden of the Casa del Rey Moro is currently open to visitors.

Different historical layers stand side by side at the Casa del Rey Moro: the Mina de Agua dates from the Muslim period, the house is Neo-Mudéjar, and the garden was designed in 1912 by Jean Nicolas Forestier. The currently visitable garden and the restored Neo-Mudéjar house thus belong to different current states of the complex.

Wine

Bodegas Excelencia offers guided winery tours. During these tours, visitors can learn about the production processes in the vineyard and the wine cellar. The winery has an air-conditioned tasting room overlooking the vineyard, with a maximum capacity of 14 people.

The Centro Integral del Vino de Ronda has an exhibition and a shop for wines from Ronda. The same center also hosts wine tastings and workshops on agricultural and food products.

The two wine destinations combine different elements related to wine: at Bodegas Excelencia, the vineyard, wine cellar, and air-conditioned tasting room are the main focus. The Centro Integral del Vino de Ronda brings together an exhibition and shop with wine tastings and workshops on agricultural and food products.

Other Places

Places to explore further include Montecorto.

Other destinations include Macharaviaya, Alhaurin El Grande, Gaucín, Fuente De Piedra, Cortes De La Frontera and Villafranco del Guadalhorce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Ronda: Puente Nuevo, Old Town and Serranía de Málaga.