Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación la Mayor Ronda

Ronda - Santa María la Mayor - Church
A Brief History of the Church

Originally built in the 14th century as one of the muslim Mosques, the Church of Santa María la Mayor. Known locally as the Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación la Mayor it is located in Ronda’s Town Hall square, the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, and is the biggest and most attractive of the churches. Its distinctive tower and front facade make the church look more like a city hall than a church.

Practice your Spanish and read the translated version of this article here…

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Ronda’s Water Mine under the Casa del Rey Moro

Water Mine in Ronda

Carved into the cliffs of the ‘El Tajo’ gorge is a surprising mine and fortress that dates back to the Moorish era. This was when constant wars in Al-Andalus required the city governors to protect the water supplies for the defenders of the city.

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History of Ronda’s Arab Baths

Arab baths in Ronda

Whilst in ruins now, the Arab Baths are still amongst some of the best preserved in Spain and offer a tantalising peek into Moorish life during the 13th to 16th centuries. Be sure to watch the animated short presentation (5 minutes) about the history of Ronda’s Arab Baths when you get here. The video presentation describes the water tower as a Noria (the modern Spanish word derived from Arabic), however the water pump in Ronda was a chain pump and is more correctly known today as a Saqiya.

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Ronda’s Arab Baths

Arab baths in Ronda

Rondas Arab Baths, known in Spanish as “Baños Árabes” are one of Ronda’s most important tourist attractions, and some argue more important than the unquestionably beautiful Puente Nuevo, or Ronda’s other claim to fame, the Plaza de Toros.

The baths are similar to the design perfected by the Romans, except that steam was used to sweat out pollutants from the body rather than soaking in hot water as the Romans used.

The Moors of Spain were also Muslim, so religious traditions were important, a Mosque was located next to the baths, and the baths were more than just a sanitary facility. They were also a place where locals and visitors alike would stop to purify and cleanse their bodies before entering the Mosque to purify their souls.

Practise your language skills and click here to read this article translated into Spanish!

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Top 10 places to visit in Ronda During Your Stay

Ronda bridge at night time
Heres the top 10 things to do in Ronda: Must-see attractions and activities.

What is Ronda famous for? Well, Ronda is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage spanning over 30,000 years. This charming city is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, scenic views and beautiful old town making it a must-visit destination for any traveler and in the top 5 most visited places in Andalucia.

So, lets start exploring the best things to do in Ronda! From historic sites to outdoor adventures, find out the top attractions and activities to enjoy during your stay

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