Visitors to Ronda are often confused as to why our central plaza Socorro features a statue of a semi-naked man with two lions by his side and a couple of pillars behind him. What is their significance? Lets find out about the Plaza del Socorro and Blas Infante.
The answer lies in Andalusian nationalism and one of the most important events in recent Andalusian political history. The Assembly of Ronda in 1918. This was when the father of Andalusian nationalism, Blas Infante, unfurled the flag and symbols of Andalusia whilst standing on the first floor balcony of the ‘Circulo de Artistas‘. The building directly behind the fountain with red CA lettering above the windows.
Blas Infante was a Spanish politician and writer who is considered the “Father of Andalusia.” He was a leading figure in the Andalusian nationalist movement and advocated for autonomy for the region of Andalusia. He was also a cultural activist, promoting the study and preservation of Andalusian folklore, traditions, and culture. He was executed by Franco’s troops during the Spanish Civil War.
Andalusians are justifiably proud of their history and heritage, and the establishment of a national movement was widely applauded in the early 20th century, eventually leading to Andalusia being recognised as one of Spain’s national communities, and allowing the Andalusian parliament a lot more autonomy than most regions of Spain.
Its Hercules!
Whilst it may not be immediately obvious, the statue by the fountain is Hercules, with the pillars of Hercules behind him. He is holding onto two lions that he aims to tame (though taming two lions was never one of the tasks set for Hercules.) Blas Infante designed the coat of arms, flag, and symbols of Andalusia, so it is probable the lions have another significance unique to Infante’s ideal of Andalusia.
To fully appreciate the significance of Hercule’s fountain and the history of the plaza, step back a bit and imagine the plaza full of cheering folk looking hopefully up as Blas Infante, a hero in his day presented the symbols to the movers and shakers of early 20th century Andalusia, and joyful Rondeños.
The Tajo gorge and bullring connection to Blas Infante
Take a walk past the bullring to the lookout over the tajo, and there you’ll see a life size statue of Infante himself. Sadly, his success in Andalusia made him a target during the civil war, and when Sevilla fell to Franco’s forces, he and his compatriots were rounded up, driven into the countryside and summarily executed, dealing a terrible blow to Andalusian autonomy.
When Spain regained her democratic foundations in the late 1970s Andalusia missed out on full autonomy until 1.5 million Andalusians took to the streets to demand that the Andalusian nation be treated the same as Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia.
A statue, a fountain, and a balcony in Ronda are still regarded as amongst the most important symbols of Andalusian patrimony.
Plaza Socorro and Blas Infante Photos
FAQ: Plaza del Socorro and Blas Infante – Symbols of Andalusian Identity in Ronda
Plaza del Socorro is the civic heart of modern Ronda and a focal point in the history of Andalusian nationalism. In 1918, it hosted the Assembly of Ronda, where Blas Infante, later known as the “Father of Andalusia,” publicly unfurled the Andalusian flag from the balcony of the Circulo de Artistas. The event marked the birth of modern Andalusian identity and autonomy efforts.
Blas Infante was a writer, political thinker, and key proponent of Andalusian cultural revival. He promoted regional autonomy, revived local traditions, and designed many of the symbols of Andalusia, including the flag and coat of arms. His 1918 initiatives were crucial in shaping regional identity. Tragically, he was executed by Franco’s regime during the Spanish Civil War.
The central fountain in Plaza del Socorro features Hercules flanked by two lions, a design personally selected by Infante. It references the mythical Pillars of Hercules, symbolizing the Strait of Gibraltar. While not a traditional Hercules motif, this imagery anchors the Andalusian coat of arms and reflects Infante’s symbolic vision of strength, independence, and geography.
Following Spain’s transition to democracy in the late 1970s, Andalusia initially lacked the full autonomy granted to Catalonia or the Basque Country. However, a mass movement involving over 1.5 million protesters led to legal recognition of Andalusia as a national community with broad self-governance rights. This process ultimately fulfilled many of Blas Infante’s early goals.
Infante’s presence extends beyond Plaza del Socorro. A life-sized statue of him stands near Ronda’s bullring and the Tajo gorge overlook. These landmarks, alongside the plaza and its monuments, form a trail of remembrance for visitors interested in Andalusian heritage and Infante’s enduring legacy.
After the fall of Seville to Franco’s troops, Infante was captured along with several colleagues. He was executed without trial in 1936, effectively silencing a leading voice of Andalusian regionalism at a crucial political moment. His death turned him into a martyr for the cause of autonomy.
The plaza was remodeled in 2019 to preserve and enhance its cultural importance. Updates included repositioning the Hercules statue closer to the Circulo de Artistas and installing a new fountain. The changes aim to maintain the historical essence while improving visitor experience.
Located within the plaza, this Baroque-style church was built in 1956, replacing an earlier version destroyed during the Civil War. It features three naves, five domes, and twin bell towers, serving as both a religious and visual anchor for the square.
Yes—Ronda is packed with historical and scenic sites:
The Puente Nuevo bridge over the El Tajo gorge
The Real Maestranza bullring
The Church of Santa María la Mayor
Museums, lookout points, and the Ronda VoiceMap GPS Audio Tour
These experiences provide context and depth to Ronda’s unique place in Andalusian history.
This plaza symbolizes the awakening of Andalusian political consciousness. Through its statues, flags, and the legacy of Blas Infante, it represents a living monument to a region’s identity, struggle, and cultural pride—making it a must-visit for those seeking to understand southern Spain.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!