Soaring over the Ronda Gorge: an extraordinary city on the rocks
This city, soaring over a precipice, is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Tourists from all over the world come here. Everything is admired here-from the extraordinary, breathtaking landscapes that open from almost anywhere in the city, to some even frightening concentration of attractions in just 481 square kilometers of the area of this city of "white houses".
The picturesque town of Ronda is located in the Spanish province of Malaga. It literally "hovers" over the gorge, as it is located at an altitude of 723 meters above sea level and hangs over the steep El Tayo canyon, which divides the city into two parts.
Ronda is one of the most ancient cities in Spain, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds from the Paleolithic era, the times of the Phoenicians, Carthage and Greek settlements. In Roman times, it was called Arunda and was considered an important trading center of the province.
In the 8th century, Ronda was declared the capital of an independent Moorish emirate that existed until 1485. The old part of the modern Ronda remained one of the last strongholds of the Moors in the territory of Andalusia: each time an insurmountable obstacle stood in the way of the Christians of the Tayo gorge. Ronda was only subdued in 1485.
The city is declared a national monument of Spain. The gorge divides it into two parts: the old town of the 13th century and the new town of the 18th century. Both parts are connected by the so‑called New Bridge, built in the 18th century, the symbol of the city.
It is noteworthy that earlier the interior of the bridge was used as prison cells. There is also the Old PuenteViejo Bridge in Ronda, located a little lower along the gorge.
Ronda is considered the cradle of Spanish bullfighting. It was here that the very first, largest, most majestic bullring was built. The arena was opened with great fanfare in 1785 in the presence of royalty and nobles, and was attended by Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo, the leading bullfighters of the time. Until now, performances are held in this arena.
All the trade of Ronda is concentrated on the street Carrera Espinel (calle Carrera Espinel) - it is here that many tourists look in search of memorable souvenirs. But the main thing that you will take away from here is a vivid impression and a desire to return here again.
Currently, the picturesque Ronda, one of the largest "white towns" of Andalusia, has become a popular tourist center.
Ernest Hemingway spent many months in this amazing city. He mentioned it in his works, praising its incredible beauty, which in many ways glorified the city and made it a popular tourist route.