History Archives - Page 5 of 5

Churches in Ronda

January 17, 2023July 11, 2018 by Clive Muir

Ronda is famous for it’s churches built after the reconquest as Catholic Spain asserted it’s control over the formerly Muslim city. Four of the many churches in Ronda are especially noted for their architecture or the story behind them, and all are part of every great tour of Ronda.

Christianity in Ronda began with Visigothic control of Iberia after the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, and quickly became the dominant faith. Arab invaders entered Iberia and overran the Visigoths beginning in 711 AD, and until 1485 Ronda was a Muslim stronghold alternating between liberal interpretations of Muslim faith and the more conservative Sharia versions.

Clive Muir

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!

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Romans in Ronda

May 14, 2018May 13, 2018 by Clive Muir

The Roman Empire had been expanding out of the Italian peninsula and finally found it’s way to Iberia as Roman and Carthaginian forces battled for control of the Mediterranean, and sadly the peace known around Ronda was shattered beginning in the 2nd century BC. Rome and Carthage fought two bloody and protracted wars, with Spain suffering terribly as Roman armies vied for control of key supply routes.

Clive Muir

rondatoday.com/

Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows (Templete de la Virgen de los Dolores)

March 8, 2016March 8, 2016 by Clive Muir

Ronda and the Serrania surround it have been lawless lands for millennia, not even the iron grip of the Almohads could stamp out rebellions and banditry, so it is hardly surprising that capital punishment has been so widely used.

In Ronda (close to the junction between Calle Santa Cecilia and Calle Virgen de los Dolores) nowhere is this more obvious and chilling than the Temple of Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as the Shrine of the Hanged, with its frightening depictions of condemned men’s eyes bulging as they desperately try to get a last breath while the hangman’s noose crushes their windpipe.

Clive Muir

rondatoday.com/

The Romero Dynasty and Ronda’s Bandoleros

March 7, 2016March 7, 2016 by Clive Muir

Bullfighting and banditry almost go hand in hand in Ronda, or at least they did in the early days when the Romero dynasty first came to prominence. A major part of the culture and history of modern Andalucia, bullfighting shows no signs of diminishing in Southern Spain, in fact both main political parties in the parliament of Andalucia seem determined to protect the art for the enjoyment of future generations.

Banditry on the other hand has had a much longer history, and these days is nothing more than a romantic memory, the last bandits having been shot or arrested by Franco’s Guardia Civil in the middle of the 20th century. Starting in the 9th century during the rise of the Islamic era, banditry was often more about politics and tax avoidance than outright thievery, though of course the objective was always to relieve wealthier people of their precious possessions.

Clive Muir

rondatoday.com/

Pedro Romero Feria & Corrida Goyesca – 22nd to 6th September 2015

September 5, 2015July 29, 2015 by Clive Muir

FERIA Y FIESTAS PEDRO ROMERO 2015 Ronda Goyesca

The first week in September is the one time of year when Rondeños really let their hair down and everything comes to a stop for the week long party known as the Feria de Pedro Romero.

Although the weeks festivities start on the 22nd of August the big weekend of bullfighting and parades is the Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of September. (The parade of carriages at 12 pm on Sunday 6th)

IMPORTANT: If you want to stay in Ronda to experience the feria and all it has to offer then don’t delay in booking your hotel. Use the booking form to the right as soon as possible! Places will already be limited!

There is a full program of event (in Spanish) here and the dates of events are on page 45.

Tickets for bullfights and further information here…

Most of the streets surrounding the Plaza del Socorro become pedestrian only as bars bring their kegs and counters into the street for the hordes who want to party. The last two days of the feria coincide with one of the highlights of the Spanish bullfighting calendar, the Corrida Goyesca.

Clive Muir

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