Ronda

Ronda is a town steeped in history and as a result is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Andalucia. The local tourist board refers to it as Ronda, the City of Dreams. It stands on a towering plateau, which is divided in two by a plunging river gorge known as El Tajo (The Cliff). El Tajo is spanned by the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which was built in the eighteenth century and provides access to both sides of Ronda. On one side of Ronda´s bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development.

Ronda boasts many cultural landmarks. Amongst the most notable is the town´s bullring, which is cited as one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. Ronda is the birthplace of the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda (Royal Cavalry Order of Ronda), which was founded in 1572. This order went on to nurture the skill of bullfighting on horseback. Adjoining Ronda´s bullring is the Bullfighting Museum. Here, some of the undying relics of Spain and Ronda´s bullfighting ancestry are on display. Ronda is also the birthplace of the Romero family, one of bullfighting´s most important families. This family produced three generations of influential bullfighters, with each generation bringing an even greater level of skill and flair to the art.

Ronda´s expansive history is confirmed by the presence of innumerable monuments and artefacts, some dating as far back as 28000 BC. Every architectural era is represented here including Roman, Arabic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The gastronomy of Ronda is however, quintessentially Andalusian and it is possible to find some of the best produce in the region here such as olive oil, pork, cheese, fruits and honey. So diverse is the allure of Ronda that it became a regular haunt for twentieth century cultural luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles

The cork mill is still operational, thanks to the unrelenting dedication of its owner, Don Antonio Galianco. It now takes pride of place in Alhaurin el Grande´s heritage and Don Galianco will happily afford any visitor a in depth tour.

Airports - Jerez (110km), Seville (120km), Malaga (85km), Gibraltar (90km).

Golf Courses - La Zagalta (San Pedro road 35km), Alhaurín Golf (30km), New Developement (6km).

Other Sporting Facilities - Adventure sports and nature, horse riding, climbing, abseiling, hunting, archery, canoeing, speleology, etc.

International Schools - Palacio de Mondragón

Other Points of Interest - Ruinas de Acinipo, Cueva de las Pileta, Cueva del Gato.

Shopping - Local shops on Boln Street and a great variety of craft shops in the old town.

Local Markets - Sunday´s: Recinto ferial

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