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? (Plaza del Socorro and Blas Infante was remodeled in 2019 with a new fountain and the statue of Hercules moved closer to the old Casino on the same Plaza.)
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.
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!
Though one of the most visited cities in Andalucia, Ronda still has a few undiscovered nooks and crannies. :) Apart from all the obvious views and buildings in this selection of images of Ronda in Spain, there is so much more to see, smell and taste. Here are a few Images of Ronda in Spain
If you see a narrow street leading to who knows where?
Follow it!
You may be surprised at that tiny tapas bar hidden around the corner that doesn’t appear on those big online review websites. (Yes, you know who I am talking about!)
Restaurante Abades – RondaHorseriding in Ronda SpainArchways in RondaThe puente nuevo in RondaPuente nuevo in RondaRonda old town from the new bridge in RondaPlaza Socorro RondaThe Bullring in RondaThe Arab baths in RondaView from the alameda, Rondaheaven irish bar ronda – Nightlife in RondaCelia Morales RondaEspiritu Santo church in RondaAlbondigas Claras – Ronda meatballsImages from Ronda in Spain
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
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!
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.
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!
Whilst in ruins now, the Arab Baths are still 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 even today as a Saqiya.
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!
If you are in Ronda for a while then visits to other towns and villages are probably on your agenda… One town just 30 minutes from Ronda is often and easily overlooked but it really is well worth the effort to take a drive across to Cañete la Real to visit the castle of Hins-Canit. The views from this castle are stunning!
A Jewish stone sink
A model of the castle
The castle now contains an excellent modern exhibition centre
The kids at the castle
The castle of Hins-Canit in Cañete la Real is located at the top of an enormous limestone pavement that reaches to almost 800 metres above sea level. The fortress conserves an irregular plan of aproximately 120 metres long and 50 metres wide. The three sectors of the castle can be distinguished easily and defined by their function. 1. The entrance and adjacent area. 2 The intermediate residential level and 3. The nobles area where the tower is located.
The thick exterior wall adapts itself to the terrain and cliffs and is built with limestone ashlars of different sizes. This enclosure was entered by a gate ending in a round arch orientated towards the east at the entrance the ground rises steeply so at one time a wooden ramp was used to gain access. The entrance is guarded by a battlement which is still well preserved today.
The second enclosure is also protected by a thick wall and battlement. It would have been very difficult for an attacker to gain access to this Fortress and it’s Keep
The Castle tower or keep “Alcazar” is located at the highest point. It is an impressive 18 metres tall and contained three stories as well as the rooftop lookout area.
The castle museum
The Castle now contains an excellent modern exhibition centre with many artefacts on display from Iberian, Moorish and Roman eras. The information signs are translated in very good and understandable English.
The view from the castle at Cañete la Real
The Castle is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm
(If you want to visit during the week or out of these hours you need to contact the town hall in Cañete la Real. Expect to speak Spanish! :) )
There is also a direct number for reserving a visit. Mobile 637021253
Where to eat
Apart from the bars in the village there is a fantastic restaurant at the very top of the village not far from the Castle called La Piedra. (2 minute drive from the castle.) Well priced and good portions of local home cooked food.
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!
