Ronda Monuments Route: History, Architecture and the Must-See Highlights in One Day

Puente Nuevo and Interpretation Centre

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is the emblem of Ronda. This 18th-century engineering masterpiece spans the Tajo Gorge at almost 100 metres high. After the collapse of the first bridge in 1735, construction of the definitive bridge began in 1751 and was completed in 1793.

Inside you will find the Interpretation Centre (former prison cells), where the history of its construction is explained through models and information panels.

• Opening times: Check at the Tourist Office
• Price: Bridge free. Interpretation Centre included with the Ronda Tourist Pass
• Address: Plaza de España, Ronda

Ronda Bullring (Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería)

Built in 1785, the Ronda Bullring is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. It was created for equestrian exercises and bullfighting on horseback by the Real Maestranza de Caballería. Its neoclassical architecture and the bullfighting museum housed inside make it an essential visit.

• Opening times: Daily (approx. 10:00 - 19:00)
• Price: Approx. €9 (adult). Children under 10 free
• Address: Calle Virgen de la Paz, 15

Arab Baths of Ronda

Considered among the best preserved on the Iberian Peninsula, these 13th–14th century baths retain their original structure with the three rooms (cold, warm and hot), brick vaults and hypocaust heating system. After the Reconquest they were used as a tannery.

The visit includes an audiovisual projection that helps you understand how they worked.

• Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday (morning and afternoon)
• Price: Included with the Ronda Tourist Pass
• Address: Calle San Miguel, Ronda

Mondragón Palace (Municipal Museum)

One of the most important civil buildings in Ronda. Although the façade dates from the 18th century, the palace combines Mudéjar and Renaissance elements. It now houses the Municipal Museum with sections on archaeology, history and ethnography of the Serranía de Ronda. Its inner courtyards and views are particularly noteworthy.

• Opening times: Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 | Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:00-15:00
• Price: Included with the Ronda Tourist Pass
• Address: Plaza de Mondragón s/n
• Telephone: 952 878 450

Church of Santa María la Mayor

The most important church in Ronda. It stands on the site of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century and later on the city’s main mosque. The mihrab arch is still preserved. It suffered serious damage in the 1580 earthquake and was rebuilt in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its bell tower is the former minaret.

• Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10:00-19:00 | Sundays reduced hours
• Price: Approx. €4-4.50
• Address: Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

Casa del Rey Moro – Gardens and Water Mine

An 18th-century palace built on earlier structures. Although much of the building remains closed, its gardens and the famous Water Mine are open to the public. The mine is an impressive work of Moorish engineering: more than 200 steps carved into the rock that descend to the Guadalevín River.

• Opening times: Generally 10:00-20:30 (check official website)
• Price: Approx. €8-10 (separate ticket)
• Address: Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 9
• Website: casadelreymoro.org

Almocábar Gate and Arab City Walls

Ronda was a heavily fortified city during the Muslim period. The Almocábar Gate (13th century) is the best preserved and was the main entrance from the south. Walking through this part of the old town (Barrio de la Ciudad) transports you straight back to medieval Ronda.

On the map below you can see the location of the remains of Ronda’s Arab city walls:

Access: Free. You can visit by walking through the old town.

Other notable monuments

Complete your route by also visiting:

• Church of the Holy Spirit – Built immediately after the Christian conquest with the appearance of a fortress.
• Casa del Gigante – Beautiful Moorish palace from the 14th–15th centuries (included with the Tourist Pass).
• Convent of Santo Domingo – One of the oldest in Ronda (included with the Pass).
• Palace of Moctezuma – Former residence of descendants of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.
• Minaret of San Sebastián and Arch of Philip V.

Recommendation: With the Ronda Tourist Pass you can visit most of these monuments economically.