The three Most Beautiful Villages of Malaga
January 10, 2025
Ronda is one of the most fascinating cities in Andalusia, famous for its stunning architecture, natural scenery and rich history. If you are wondering what to see in RondaRonda, you'll find a host of monuments and landmarks that make this city a unique destination. From the majestic New Bridge, which connects the two districts of the city, to its ancient Moorish walls, Ronda offers a cultural and visual experience that will transport you to the past while you enjoy its natural beauty. We invite you to discover the must-see places you can't miss on your visit to this wonderful city.
When it comes to exploring a city as fascinating as Ronda, the group transport becomes essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. Ronda, with its stunning architecture, natural landscapes and historical monuments, is an ideal destination for groups wishing to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage. The rental of buses for groups with Bus Costa del Sol allows you to enjoy every corner of the city efficiently, without missing a single detail of its most emblematic jewels.
The New Bridge is not only the emblem of Ronda, but also a true achievement of 18th century engineering. At 120 metres long and an impressive 98 metres high, this stone bridge was built to link the old city with the new one, crossing the abyss of the Tajo de Ronda.
During its construction, many workers lost their lives, which adds a halo of tragedy and history to this monument. Today, it is possible to walk along its structure and enjoy the incredible views it offers of the city and its surroundings, particularly the canyon formed by the Guadalevín river. The New Bridge not only connects areas of the city, but also connects the visitor to the history and magic of Ronda.
For the best views, it is recommended to explore the nearby viewpoints, such as the Mirador de Aldehuela, which is located right next to the bridge. From there, visitors can capture spectacular photographs of the bridge and the vertiginous drop into the river. This construction remains a symbol of the resilience and engineering skill of the time, being a must-see for tourists and one of the best panoramic views in all of Andalusia.
The Ronda Bullring, built in 1785, is one of the oldest and most emblematic bullrings in Spain. Its neoclassical architecture is one of the most beautiful in the country, with a circular structure that houses a large-capacity arena. This bullring is not only a monument to the bullfighting tradition, but also a place of cultural importance, as it hosts important events related to the history of bullfighting, such as bullfights, competitions and festivals. In its corridors, stone columns and elegant wooden benches, you can breathe in the air of Spanish history and its profound relationship with the bullfighting festival.
In addition to its use as a bullring, this place houses the Bullfighting Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of bullfighting in Ronda and throughout Spain. On display here are bullfighting costumes, famous bulls' heads, as well as historical photos that tell the story of the evolution of this art. The visit allows tourists to delve into a tradition that is as much a part of the local culture as flamenco, and to gain a unique perspective of one of the cities with the strongest links to bullfighting history in Andalusia.
The Arab Baths of Ronda are one of the most significant structures of the city's Muslim heritage, and are among the best preserved in Europe. Built in the 13th century, these baths are an impressive example of Islamic engineering in terms of water and air-conditioning systems. The complex is divided into several rooms, including cold, warm and hot baths, and inside you can see the water-heating mechanisms, including period furnaces and boilers. This is an ideal place for lovers of history, architecture and Muslim culture, allowing you to imagine what hygiene was like in medieval times on the Iberian Peninsula.
Walking through its corridors and spaces, visitors can experience the tranquillity that pervaded those who came here in times gone by. The structure is impressive not only for its preservation, but also for the sense of immersion in a time when the baths were not only a place of hygiene, but also a social centre. Its location in the old Moorish quarter of the city adds a touch of authenticity that transports visitors to Ronda's medieval past.
The Mondragón Palace is one of the most outstanding buildings in Ronda, and a clear example of the Islamic influence on Andalusian architecture. Built in the 14th century by the Arab king Abomelik, the palace has a unique character thanks to its design of interior courtyards, with fountains, gardens and architectural details that evoke the splendour of the Muslim era. These gardens and courtyards, which still retain their essence today, offer a haven of peace and calm in the middle of the city. The palace is one of the best representations of medieval Andalusian palatial architecture, combining Islamic elements with touches of Renaissance architecture.
Today, the Palacio de Mondragón houses the Municipal Museum of Ronda, a space dedicated to showing the history and evolution of the city over the centuries. The museum presents an interesting collection of art and historical objects that allow visitors to learn more about life in Ronda, from Roman times to modern times. The visit is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a unique cultural space in a historic and peaceful setting, where you can learn and relax at the same time.
The Alameda del Tajo is one of Ronda's most emblematic and visited spaces. This park, created in the 19th century, is located on the edge of the Tajo, offering impressive views of the cliffs and the valley that surrounds the city. Its wide avenues are lined with trees and statues of historical figures, creating a pleasant atmosphere for strolling and relaxing. In addition to its beautiful gardens, the Alameda has old lampposts and iron benches, giving it a nostalgic air of bygone times. It is an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll while contemplating the natural and architectural beauty of Ronda.
Visitors can also take advantage of the Alameda's privileged location to enjoy spectacular views of the Tajo de Ronda and the bridge that crosses this impressive canyon. This space, with its winding paths and shaded areas, is perfect for taking a break from the city tour, enjoying a relaxing time and contemplating the natural and urban surroundings that make Ronda unique.
The Cuenca Gardens are one of the most charming corners of Ronda, located on the edge of the Tagus. This garden, which extends over several terraces, offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The design of the gardens is a blend of nature and architecture, with cobbled paths, ornamental fountains and stone benches that invite the visitor to stop and enjoy the view. Each level of the gardens offers a different perspective of Ronda, from the nearby views of the bridge to the distant landscape of the mountains.
Its name comes from a twinning between Ronda and the city of Cuenca, which was formalised in 1975. This cultural connection is reflected in the design of the gardens, with decorative elements paying homage to Cuenca and its heritage. The Cuenca Gardens are not only a perfect place for photography lovers, but also an ideal retreat for those looking to enjoy nature and art in one place.
The Arab Walls of Ronda are a testimony to the strength of the city in medieval times. These walls, built during Muslim rule, surrounded the medina and protected the city from invasion. Although much of the original wall has been lost, fragments of the defensive structures can still be seen, especially near the Almocabar Gate. This gate is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Ronda, with its horseshoe arch and imposing entrance leading into the old town.
Walking along the walls is like walking through the history of Ronda. The remains of the walls provide an insight into how the city's inhabitants lived and defended their homes more than a thousand years ago. In addition, the walls offer a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to see the differences between the old town and the more modern areas of Ronda.
The Palace of the Moorish King is one of Ronda's most intriguing monuments. The palace dates back to the Muslim period and is characterised by its elegant architecture and breathtaking views. However, the real highlight of this monument is the underground water mine that lies within.
The mine was built to supply water to the city during periods of siege and consists of 231 steps, which descend to the river Guadalevín. A visit to the Moorish King's Palace and its mine is a unique experience that provides an insight into the ingenious water collection methods used at the time.
The water mine is one of the main tourist attractions of the Palace, as it not only shows the complexity of Muslim hydraulic engineering, but also the importance of water in the life of Ronda. Descending the steps, visitors can imagine how the city's inhabitants obtained water in times of war and how this vital resource was managed by the inhabitants of medieval Ronda.
The Church of Santa María la Mayor is one of the most important religious buildings in Ronda, and a clear example of the mixture of architectural styles that characterises the city. Built on the remains of an ancient mosque, the church combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements in its design. Its imposing façade and elegant interior make it a must-see for lovers of religious architecture. Among its most outstanding elements are the main altarpiece, which houses a valuable collection of sacred art, and the chapel of the Virgen de la Paz, patron saint of the city.
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In addition to its architectural importance, the church has a deep connection to Ronda's religious history. For centuries, the church has been the spiritual centre of the city, and numerous masses and religious festivals are held here. Its location in the heart of Ronda's old town makes it a point of reference for both locals and tourists wishing to learn more about the city's history and religious heritage.
The Puente Viejo, or Moorish Bridge, is one of the oldest bridges in Ronda. Although it does not have the magnitude of the Puente Nuevo, the Puente Viejo offers equally spectacular views of the Tajo and the surrounding landscape. This bridge of Moorish origin was part of the city walls that surrounded the city in the Middle Ages and served as access to the city from the south. Its stone structure is more modest than that of the Puente Nuevo, but its beauty lies in its age and the serenity it conveys.
From the Old Bridge, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tajo gorge and the New Bridge in the distance. It is an ideal place to take a leisurely walk, take photographs and enjoy the tranquillity that Ronda has to offer, away from the tourist bustle of other areas of the city. This bridge is the perfect place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and experience a more authentic Ronda.
Ronda is a city that combines history, culture and nature in a unique setting, offering visitors an enriching experience at every turn. From the breathtaking views of the New Bridge to the tranquil gardens of the city, each place has its own charm. The mix of traditional Andalusian architecture, remnants of the Muslim era and natural landscapes make Ronda a must-see destination for lovers of history, photography and nature.
Every stroll through its cobbled streets or visit to its historical monuments connects us with its rich heritage, transporting us back in time while enjoying the modernity and comfort of the city. Whether exploring the old town, admiring its viewpoints or simply enjoying its local gastronomy, Ronda promises an unforgettable experience for all its visitors, leaving them with the desire to return time and time again.
If you are planning to visit Ronda with a group, don't hesitate in rent one of our modern buses in Malaga to enjoy a comfortable and safe trip. Make your reservation now and start your adventure in Ronda with the best comfort and service, we are waiting for you!
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