| RONDA |
San Pedro De Alcantara.
Ronda's high altitude meant that it was one of the last Moorish cities to fall to
the Catholics. Under the Moors, it became an important cultural centre in Al-
Andalus and adorned with palaces and mosques.
However Ronda's fame lies on the extraordinary view of its stupendous 18th
century arched bridge and the plunging river gorge "El Tajo" with
whitewashed houses leaning from its edges.
Ronda is also famous for its bullring, the oldest, the most impressive and the
largest in Spain.
History
Ronda can be divided in three parts: "La Ciudad", which is the oldest part of
town; the Mercadillo quarter and the San Francisco Suburb which have
appeared after the re-conquest in 1485.
La Ciudad (the Muslim Medina) still conserves remains of the ancient city
walls and the layout of the old Arabs narrow lanes, as well as the numerous
and magnificent monuments like The House of the Moorish King, the Arab
Baths, and La Colegiata amongst others.
After the conquest of the town by the Catholic Sovereigns in 1485 there was
a new cultural and structural reorganization, although it was not until the
19th century that the romantic image of the town was forged. It was during
this period that Ronda's most significant monuments were built; the New
Bridge (El Puente Nuevo) and the Bull Ring.
Main sights
There are numerous historical buildings and interesting features in Ronda,
the majority of which have stood for more than 500 years. Some of the most
impressive and beautiful monuments date back to the Moorish epoch,
however, the construction of the New Bridge and the bull ring in the 18th
century are the most interesting sights in Ronda.
House and gardens of the Moorish King (La casa Del Rey Moro)
Located in the old medina (La Ciudad), it appears that the house was built
during the Muslim era, but the only proof of its existence dates back to the
18th century.
But what made La Casa Del Rey Moro, the place of interest are its beautiful
gardens and "water mines" designed by the most famous architect of all
times, Jean Claude Nicholas Forestier. In one of its corners can be found the
entrance to the "Mina".
The Mina is a steep staircase of strategical importance. It was a secret
staircase with 300 steps that led directly into the Tajo River. The gardens and
the mine can be visited every day between 10am and 6pm.
The Arab Baths
Located in the old Jewish quarters, a
place with abundant water, the Arab
baths were built in the 13th century
during the Nazarite Caliphate. According
to the tradition, the visitors had to wash
before entering the town. The Arab baths
had three main rooms (the Hipostila,
largest and most beautiful room), an
extensive area with gardens, yards and
sun spots.
These baths are amongst the best preserved in Andalucia. They have just
reopened to the public after months of renovation.
They can be visited daily from 10am - 2pm and 4pm - 6pm except Monday.
The Palacio de Mondragon (Mondragon Palace)
This palace is one of the most outstanding pieces of art in Ronda. Located in
the historic centre of Ronda, the old Medina dates back to the Moorish period,
and is believed to have been the residence of the Arab King Abdel Malik, son
of the Sultan of Morocco.
After the re-conquest on the 24th may 1485, the
Catholic Kings Isabel and Ferdinand of Castile
returned to reside in the palace. During the 18th
century, new structures were added to enclose
the interior patios which now constitute the
present sandstone façade with two small
watchtowers on the corners, two high windows
and a magnificent entrance portal. Today, the
palace has a cultural centre, conference rooms, a museum and a tourist
information centre located in what used to be the stables. ..
Church of the Holy Spirit
This church was built on the remains of a Moorish defensive tower in 1505.
Its construction was ordered by the Catholic Kings Isabel and Fernando De
Castile and consecrated to the Holy Spirit to commemorate the re-conquest
of Ronda on 20th May 1485.
Church of Santa Maria La Mayor
The Santa Maria de Mayor church on Plaza
Duqueza de Parcent has replaced the city's
original mosque in the 13th century. It was
converted after the re-conquest to a Catholic
church and a belfry was installed on top of the
old minaret. Traces of Arabic inscriptions can
still be seen inside. The Minaret of San
Sebastian close by is all that remains of another 14th century mosque.
Ronda Gates
There are three main gateways into the city: the Moorish Puerta de
Almocabar, the 16th century Renaissance Gate built by Charles V and the
Puerta De Felipe V.
Puerta De Almocabar (Almocabar Doorway) is the main entrance to the old
town (Medina) and the Alcazaba (fortress). Built in the 13th century, it has
three typical Moorish doors (with the Arch between two towers).
Puerta De Carlos V (Charles V doorway) was built in the 16th century.
Puerta o Arco de Felipe V (Phillip V Doorway or Arch), was built in 1742 and is
the doorway to the old bridge and the Moorish baths. Next to the Arch, is a
bench known as "Sillon Del Rey Moro" (Moorish king's armchair).
Bullring (Plaza De Toros)
Festivals
Fiesta De La Virgen De La Paz on 24th January.
Holy week (Semana Santa). These are day long processions with carved
wooden images of Saints.
Feria De La Reconquista 20th to 23rd May. Commemoration of the Christian
re-conquest celebrated with bullfights and horse training competitions.
Feria Goyesca De Pedro Romero. This September festivity, in honour of Pedro
Romero, the legendary bullfighter has reached outstanding fame. It features
the country's best matadors dressed in 18th century costumes (Goyesque).
Before the bullfight starts, there is a parade through the town of all matadors
in full Goyesque costume. It is a typical show of Andalucia's rich traditions and
some of the public dress up in accordance with the magic return to the past.
Useful numbers
Tourist offices Plaza De España : 952 87 12 72
Plaza Mondragòn : 952 87 08 18
Townhall Plaza Duquesa De Parçent : 952 87 32 40
Police (Emergencies) : 091 or 061
Local Police : 952 87 32 40
Fire Brigade : 952 87 19 58
Ambulance : 952 30 30 34
General Hospital : 952 87 66 28
Ronda's high altitude meant that it was one of the last Moorish cities to fall to
the Catholics. Under the Moors, it became an important cultural centre in Al-
Andalus and adorned with palaces and mosques.
However Ronda's fame lies on the extraordinary view of its stupendous 18th
century arched bridge and the plunging river gorge "El Tajo" with
whitewashed houses leaning from its edges.
Ronda is also famous for its bullring, the oldest, the most impressive and the
largest in Spain.
History
Ronda can be divided in three parts: "La Ciudad", which is the oldest part of
town; the Mercadillo quarter and the San Francisco Suburb which have
appeared after the re-conquest in 1485.
La Ciudad (the Muslim Medina) still conserves remains of the ancient city
walls and the layout of the old Arabs narrow lanes, as well as the numerous
and magnificent monuments like The House of the Moorish King, the Arab
Baths, and La Colegiata amongst others.
After the conquest of the town by the Catholic Sovereigns in 1485 there was
a new cultural and structural reorganization, although it was not until the
19th century that the romantic image of the town was forged. It was during
this period that Ronda's most significant monuments were built; the New
Bridge (El Puente Nuevo) and the Bull Ring.
Main sights
There are numerous historical buildings and interesting features in Ronda,
the majority of which have stood for more than 500 years. Some of the most
impressive and beautiful monuments date back to the Moorish epoch,
however, the construction of the New Bridge and the bull ring in the 18th
century are the most interesting sights in Ronda.
House and gardens of the Moorish King (La casa Del Rey Moro)
Located in the old medina (La Ciudad), it appears that the house was built
during the Muslim era, but the only proof of its existence dates back to the
18th century.
But what made La Casa Del Rey Moro, the place of interest are its beautiful
gardens and "water mines" designed by the most famous architect of all
times, Jean Claude Nicholas Forestier. In one of its corners can be found the
entrance to the "Mina".
The Mina is a steep staircase of strategical importance. It was a secret
staircase with 300 steps that led directly into the Tajo River. The gardens and
the mine can be visited every day between 10am and 6pm.
The Arab Baths
Located in the old Jewish quarters, a
place with abundant water, the Arab
baths were built in the 13th century
during the Nazarite Caliphate. According
to the tradition, the visitors had to wash
before entering the town. The Arab baths
had three main rooms (the Hipostila,
largest and most beautiful room), an
extensive area with gardens, yards and
sun spots.
These baths are amongst the best preserved in Andalucia. They have just
reopened to the public after months of renovation.
They can be visited daily from 10am - 2pm and 4pm - 6pm except Monday.
The Palacio de Mondragon (Mondragon Palace)
This palace is one of the most outstanding pieces of art in Ronda. Located in
the historic centre of Ronda, the old Medina dates back to the Moorish period,
and is believed to have been the residence of the Arab King Abdel Malik, son
of the Sultan of Morocco.
After the re-conquest on the 24th may 1485, the
Catholic Kings Isabel and Ferdinand of Castile
returned to reside in the palace. During the 18th
century, new structures were added to enclose
the interior patios which now constitute the
present sandstone façade with two small
watchtowers on the corners, two high windows
and a magnificent entrance portal. Today, the
palace has a cultural centre, conference rooms, a museum and a tourist
information centre located in what used to be the stables. ..
Church of the Holy Spirit
This church was built on the remains of a Moorish defensive tower in 1505.
Its construction was ordered by the Catholic Kings Isabel and Fernando De
Castile and consecrated to the Holy Spirit to commemorate the re-conquest
of Ronda on 20th May 1485.
Church of Santa Maria La Mayor
The Santa Maria de Mayor church on Plaza
Duqueza de Parcent has replaced the city's
original mosque in the 13th century. It was
converted after the re-conquest to a Catholic
church and a belfry was installed on top of the
old minaret. Traces of Arabic inscriptions can
still be seen inside. The Minaret of San
Sebastian close by is all that remains of another 14th century mosque.
Ronda Gates
There are three main gateways into the city: the Moorish Puerta de
Almocabar, the 16th century Renaissance Gate built by Charles V and the
Puerta De Felipe V.
Puerta De Almocabar (Almocabar Doorway) is the main entrance to the old
town (Medina) and the Alcazaba (fortress). Built in the 13th century, it has
three typical Moorish doors (with the Arch between two towers).
Puerta De Carlos V (Charles V doorway) was built in the 16th century.
Puerta o Arco de Felipe V (Phillip V Doorway or Arch), was built in 1742 and is
the doorway to the old bridge and the Moorish baths. Next to the Arch, is a
bench known as "Sillon Del Rey Moro" (Moorish king's armchair).
Bullring (Plaza De Toros)
- The other most interesting item in Ronda is Plaza de Toros, the most
beautiful, ancient and largest bullring in Spain. It is also considered as
the most important and famous arena in the world. Its construction
began in 1780 and was first opened in 1783. However, following the
collapse of part of the arena, it was not inaugurated until 1785. Most
of the bullring fame is due to the legendary bullfighter Pedro Romero,
the creator of bullfighting on foot. Today this style is commonly used
around the world.
The bullring also has a museum where there is an impressive collection
of bullfighter costumes, photographs and stuffed bull's heads. A
festival is held every year in honour of Pedro Romero, which features
only the country's best matadors dressed in 18th century costumes.
This is the most important bullfighting event in the world and every
September thousands of supporters around the world come to Ronda
to witness such an amazing event.
Festivals
Fiesta De La Virgen De La Paz on 24th January.
Holy week (Semana Santa). These are day long processions with carved
wooden images of Saints.
Feria De La Reconquista 20th to 23rd May. Commemoration of the Christian
re-conquest celebrated with bullfights and horse training competitions.
Feria Goyesca De Pedro Romero. This September festivity, in honour of Pedro
Romero, the legendary bullfighter has reached outstanding fame. It features
the country's best matadors dressed in 18th century costumes (Goyesque).
Before the bullfight starts, there is a parade through the town of all matadors
in full Goyesque costume. It is a typical show of Andalucia's rich traditions and
some of the public dress up in accordance with the magic return to the past.
Useful numbers
Tourist offices Plaza De España : 952 87 12 72
Plaza Mondragòn : 952 87 08 18
Townhall Plaza Duquesa De Parçent : 952 87 32 40
Police (Emergencies) : 091 or 061
Local Police : 952 87 32 40
Fire Brigade : 952 87 19 58
Ambulance : 952 30 30 34
General Hospital : 952 87 66 28
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