In the heart of the province of Malaga, suspended on a cliff 120 metres high, is Ronda. This city, with Celtic roots, is located just 60 kilometres from Marbella, making it an accessible destination for those looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Ronda is much more than a city in the heights; it is a journey through time. Its rich cultural heritage, evident in the wide variety of historical monuments, intertwines with spectacular landscapes that take your breath away. Visiting Ronda is to immerse yourself in a unique experience, where every corner tells a story and every view is a canvas.
Ronda, a city with a rich historical legacy, houses impressive prehistoric remains. Among them, the cave paintings of the Cueva de la Pileta, discovered in 1905 by a local farmer, stand out. These paintings, which date back some 20,000 years, are a fascinating testimony to prehistoric life.
The origins of Ronda date back to the Celts, who knew it as 'Arunda' in the 6th century BC. Later, the Phoenicians founded a nearby village called 'Acinipo', whose Roman remains, including a theatre and an amphitheatre, are still preserved today.
With the Greek conquest, 'Arunda' became 'Runda'. However, it was not until the Roman conquest during the Second Punic War that the population began to grow, especially after the construction of the Castillo de Lauro. From then on, the citizens of Acinipo and Runda enjoyed Roman citizenship.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Acinipo was abandoned and Ronda was invaded by the Visigoths, who dominated the area until the year 711. In that year, the Muslims took the south of the peninsula and occupied Ronda in the year 713.
The period of Muslim rule was a time of great cultural and architectural growth for Ronda. However, this period ended on 22 May 1485, when the Christian armies managed to conquer the city after a long siege. From then on, the Christians began to modify the Muslim heritage to adapt it to their beliefs and the city began to expand into districts. The old Arab core of Ronda was known as "La Ciudad".
During the Christian presence, important infrastructures were built in Ronda. Among them, the 'New Bridge', built between 1759 and 1793 to replace the bridge that had collapsed in 1740, the Real Maestranza de Caballería (1572), used for defence training, and the bullring.
With the French invasion, the first Andalusian bandits began to appear in Ronda and its serranía. These bandits, who originated as guerrillas against the French occupation, ended up assaulting the roads. Their figure has inspired several writers, creating a romantic image of the city of Ronda.
One of the main tourist attractions in Ronda are its historic bridges. The 'New Bridge', the 'Old Bridge' and the 'Arab Bridge' are testimonies to the rich history of the city. Let's explore the city and some of the main points of interest:
The city of Ronda is divided into three main districts:
Ronda has several museums that are worth visiting:
This museum houses archaeological remains from various excavations. Location on the map
A museum of art and antiques located in an 18th century building. Here you will find everything from clocks and weapons to archaeological remains and musical instruments. Location on the map
The Don Bosco House Museum is a hidden treasure in the heart of Ronda. This mansion, which dates from 1850 and was remodelled at the beginning of the 20th century, is a journey through time. Upon crossing its doors, you will find a time capsule that will transport you to the time of its construction. Every corner of the house is full of examples of the local craftsmanship of the time, from tapestries and tiles to hand-carved wooden furniture. A visit to the Don Bosco House Museum is an authentic experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the historical and artistic heritage of Ronda.
Ronda is home to several points of interest that are worth visiting:
The Ronda Bullring is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city. It is considered one of the oldest and most monumental bullrings in Spain. Location on the map
The New Bridge is the most famous monument in Ronda. This impressive bridge, which connects the two parts of the city, offers spectacular views of the Tajo de Ronda. Location on the map
The Moorish King's House is a unique monumental complex due to its historical interest. It is composed of the 14th century Water Mine, the Neomudejar House and the Garden designed by Forestier. Location on the map
The Arch of Felipe V is another emblematic monument of Ronda. Location on the map
The Ronda Train Station is an important connection point in the city. This 19th century building is located in a central location, just a 5-minute walk from the bus station. The station offers regional and long-distance train services, connecting Ronda with cities such as Malaga, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla and Algeciras, as well as with the capital of Spain, Madrid. In addition, the station also performs logistical functions, making it a hub of constant activity.
To see the exact location of the Ronda Train Station, you can consult this map.
The Pedro Romero Fair is celebrated at the beginning of September, specifically from August 30 to September 4. This fair, which is celebrated in honour of the mythical bullfighter from Ronda, Pedro Romero, is known for the Goyesque Bullfights, where the bullfighters and their entire team dress in period costumes.
The Holy Week in Ronda is a Festival of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia. During this week, which is celebrated in March or April depending on the year, numerous religious acts, concerts and liturgies are held, and processions of thrones and images are carried out through the streets of Ronda.
Ronda Romántica is a Real May Fair that commemorates the Christian conquest. It is celebrated in the second half of May.
It is a festivity full of colour and music that runs through the streets of the city. It includes the preparation and tasting of popular migas, a gala of carnival groups and a fantasy parade.
The Craft Fair is celebrated in March and August. It is an outdoor exhibition and sale on the Paseo de la Alameda del Tajo of Spanish and Latin American art-crafts.
The gastronomy of Ronda is a reflection of its rich history and its geographical location. The typical dishes of the region are influenced by the culinary traditions of the Celts, Romans, Arabs and Christians who have inhabited the area over the centuries.
Among the most emblematic dishes of Ronda are migas with chorizo, gachas, beans with tomato, garlic and ham, beans with black pudding, and almond and artichoke soups. The gazpacho a la serrana, the tortilla a la rondeña and the lamb stew are also very popular. Some of the most requested specialties are the rabbit a la rondeña, the loin stuffed with pine nuts, the lamb cochifrito and the pig's feet stews.
Ronda is famous for its high-quality local products. The Iberian products of the Serranía de Ronda, such as chorizo, salchichón, bondiola, caña de lomo, ham, shoulder and morcón, are exquisite and highly appreciated. The forest honey, the chestnut and the mushrooms are other outstanding products of the region. In addition, the olive of the Serranía de Ronda gives life to a high-quality virgin olive oil.
The wines of Ronda have the guarantee of origin 'Sierras de Malaga'. The region produces a variety of wines, from fresh and fruity whites to robust and complex reds.
The pastry of Ronda is very varied and delicious. The typical sweets include alfajor donuts, almond cheeses, wine rosquillas, oil or honey cakes, mantecados, sighs, yemas del Tajo, gañotes, batatines, San Antonio rosquillas, pestiños and oil rosquillas.
Ronda, a jewel nestled in the mountains of the province of Malaga, is accessible by several routes. One of the main access roads to Ronda is the one that connects Marbella with Ronda. This route is the simplest and most direct, although you can also choose to get to Ronda from Malaga and enjoy the impressive views of the interior of Andalusia during the journey.
If you need a vehicle for your trip, you can rent a car at the Malaga airport upon your arrival. In this way, you will have the freedom to explore the different routes through the interior of Malaga and discover the charming white villages of the province.
In addition to the option of travelling by car, Ronda has a train station that offers connections with Algeciras, Malaga, Antequera, Granada, Córdoba and Madrid. This makes Ronda easily accessible from several major cities in Spain.
For those who prefer to travel by bus, there are two main bus lines that connect Malaga with Ronda:
- M-231: Malaga-Pizarra, Álora
- M-331: Malaga-Zalea-Ronda
If you prefer the comfort of a taxi, you can check the price of a taxi to Ronda from the following link.
In the map shown below, you can see the road route that goes from Malaga to Ronda:
Town Hall: Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, 3 - 29400 Ronda
Phone: 952 87 72 79
Official website: www.ronda.es
Credit cards accepted
