Original Ronda

We will take a guided walking tour of Ronda, crossing the Alameda Gardens and enjoying views of the mountains, the gorge, and the meadows until reaching the Bullring. Considered the cradle of bullfighting, this ring was inaugurated in 1785 and is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain.

It stands out for being built entirely of sandstone and for its key role in modern bullfighting, promoted by the historic Romero dynasty. Its beauty has captivated figures such as Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway, contributing to its international projection.

To reach Ronda on our trip, we will have crossed its spectacular natural reserve of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and the Serranía de Ronda, ascending through the mountain range until reaching 1,065 meters above sea level. After visiting the Bullring, we will complement those impressive views with a visit to the New Bridge that rises over the El Tajo gorge.

Built between 1751 and 1793, this imposing engineering work took more than 40 years to complete. It joins the two parts of the city: the modern area (el Mercadillo) with the old town (la Ciudad), spanning a gorge nearly 100 meters deep carved by the Guadalevín river.

They are considered the best-preserved in the entire Iberian Peninsula. They were built between the 13th and 14th centuries (Nasrid period) and are located in the city's old suburb (the current San Miguel neighborhood).

They were built at the entrance to the city so that travelers could purify themselves before crossing the walls.

What impresses most when visiting them are their star-shaped vaults: ceilings with star-shaped skylights; their water wheel system to draw water from the Guadalevín river and distribute it throughout the premises; as well as the three rooms: cold, warm, and hot water.

This stately complex arises from the masterful integration of several Mudejar houses, known as the former "Painted Houses," which were unified and expanded to form their current appearance. The complex is articulated around a rectangular central cloister, presided over by eleven slender Tuscan columns that support the galleries. Access to the noble floor is through an imposing imperial staircase.

The sandstone facade shows one of the most unique Baroque portals in the region. Towards the slope, the palace opens onto a spectacular garden, with carefully arranged hedges and rose bushes, where a Spanish fir stands out, an emblematic fir of the Serranía de Ronda.

If the New Bridge impresses with its height, the Old Bridge fascinates with its character and strategic location. Until the construction of the great viaduct in the 18th century, this bridge was the main entrance to the city from the Mercadillo neighborhood.

Although the bridge's current appearance dates from a 1616 reconstruction (after being destroyed by a major flood), its foundations and origin are much older, dating back to Ronda's Arab era.

Located in the emblematic Town Square, the Santa Maria la Mayor Collegiate Church stands over what was once the former Main Mosque of Muslim Ronda.

After the Reconquest in 1485, the Catholic Monarchs ordered its transformation into a Christian temple, leading to a unique architectural blend that took more than 200 years to complete. Inside, remains of the old mosque are still preserved, such as part of the qibla wall and a horseshoe arch with stucco decoration. The Baroque Altarpiece of the Mayor Dolor stands out, a masterpiece that dominates the space with its drama and detail.

Also known as the Palace of the Marquis of Villasierra, it is possibly the most important civil monument in Ronda. It was the residence of King Abbel Malik, son of the Sultan of Morocco, before becoming the home of Christian governors after the Reconquest.

It reflects a historical duality where Andalusian refinement blends with the sobriety of the Renaissance.

A modernist small palace from the early 20th century, donated to the Salesian Congregation as a resting place. Noted for its regionalist-style tiled patio with geometric and floral motifs.

It houses wood crafts and carved furniture. Its greatest attraction is the "Jardín del Abismo" (Abyss Garden), hanging over the Tajo de Ronda, with spectacular views of the New Bridge and the Sierra de Grazalema.

The reference point is Espinel Street, known as "La Bola". It is a lively pedestrian street where you can find typical sweets, ceramics, ironwork, or leather crafts.