A Walking Tour Of Ronda's Architectural Landmarks

Ronda is not a particularly large town, so its key architectural attractions can all be visited by foot in a single day. Below, we take you on a walking tour of Ronda’s most spectacular sites, from the breathtaking “New Bridge” to some of the best-preserved Arabic baths in Spain.

1. Bullring

Museum, Sports Center

Start your walking tour of Ronda’s architectural gems at the bullring, located in the newer part of town known as El Mercadillo (The Little Market). Completed in 1785 by the same architect who designed the town’s breathtaking “New Bridge”, this is the oldest bullring in use in Spain today. There is just one bullfight a year here, in August, but the ring can be visited all year round, as can the bullfighting museum inside.

2. New Bridge

Bridge

From the bullring, stroll over the Plaza de España and prepare for a sight that will take your breath away. Within a few minutes you will find yourself standing on Ronda’s terrifying and beautiful Puente Nuevo, or “New Bridge”, which spans the 120 metre (394 foot) deep El Tajo gorge below. Fifty workers lost their lives in the construction of this magnificent structure, which was completed in 1793 after forty years of perilous labour.

3. Old Bridge

Bridge

The so-called Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) is located about a 15 minute walk from its more famous and much taller relative, and accessed by pathways that descend into the El Tajo gorge in both the “new” and old parts of town. It dates from the early 17th century, and is one of two crossings that the New Bridge was built to improve upon (the other is a little further down the river and was built by the Moors).

Moorish Quarter

Emerging from the lavish gardens of the Moorish King’s house, you will find yourself in one of the most romantic and attractive neighbourhoods in all of Andalusia. This is the oldest part of Ronda and is known simply as La Ciudad (The Town). It dates from the town’s period under Moorish rule, which lasted from the 8th to the 15th centuries, and is packed to bursting-point with gorgeous old townhouses. Turn off Google Maps, wander and surrender to its charms.