Ronda Ten Years Ago

ONE OF MY TOP 5 CITIES IN EUROPE

In this post, I wrote about the Plaza de Toros, and in it I mentioned Ronda, where the bull ring is located. I also said that it is among my top five cities that I've visited so far in Europe.

Ronda, a small town in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating architecture, and rich cultural heritage. That ticks pretty much all the boxes of what I'm looking for in a city :)

Nestled in the mountains of the Serrania de Ronda, Ronda is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The town is situated on a plateau that is split in two by a deep ravine, known as El Tajo, which is spanned by the famous Puente Nuevo bridge. The views from the bridge are simply stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. Even though I didn't get to visit the countryside, which I'm sure would have been amazing, I did go down into the valleys and step through the dry stones and shrubs. I even got very close to the iconic green water.

Another major attractions of Ronda is its very beautiful historic old town, which is filled with delightful buildings and narrow, winding streets. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences. The Puente Viejo bridge, probably the most recognisable structure in Ronda, dates back to the 17th century and offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

Ronda is also home to a number of fascinating museums and art galleries. The Museo del Bandolero is a museum dedicated to the history of the bandits who once roamed the hills around Ronda. The museum features a collection of weapons, clothing, and other items associated with the bandits, as well as displays about the myths and legends that surround their exploits. The Museo Municipal is another popular attraction, with a range of exhibits that showcase the town's rich cultural history. I took some amazing panoramic shots there, but I couldn't find them for this post :/

Another must-see sight in Ronda is the Plaza de Toros, of course, which I already wrote about. It is one of the oldest and most iconic bullrings in Spain. The bullring was built in the late 18th century and has hosted some of the most famous bullfights in Spanish history. Visitors can take a tour of the bullring, which includes a visit to the bullfighting museum and a chance to explore the arena itself.

Ronda offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. The Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves is a stunning nature reserve that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking landscapes. The reserve offers a range of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching and bird watching. I did see a lot of birdwatchers when I was there. I remember a busload of pensioners geared up with monoscopes and binoculars, as well as cameras with lenses that seemed too heavy for them to cary all day.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Ronda is also known for its cuisine. The town is home to a range of traditional Andalusian restaurants and tapas bars, where visitors can sample local delicacies such as gazpacho, salmorejo, and pescaíto frito. The town is also famous for its wine, with a number of wineries located in the surrounding hills that offer tastings and tours. As I don't drink, I didn't partake in any of the world-famous booze. I can't say the same for some of the other, especially British, tourists that I came across 😄.

Peace & Love,

Adé