Imagine a quiet haven away from the crowds, in the heart of Ronda’s Moorish quarter, a house that one could easily believe was once owned by a wealthy Moorish trader, and now your home away from home, in Ronda, Andalusia. Hotel Baraka B&B in Ronda’s Historic Centre.
Baraka B&B is this place; a unique bespoke hotel in Ronda, with just three rooms, situated in a quiet pedestrian alleyway. The internal patio is the centrepiece of the entire house, the stars forming the ceiling. A central staircase winds it’s way to the roof, where a sun drenched terrace awaits, offering views of the hills surrounding Ronda.
In Spain, many convents earn a living by selling handmade sweets, pastries, and confections. The recipes have been passed down through the centuries with some dating back to the times of the Romans and Moors. However, with fewer nuns and the closing of many convents, this tradition is at risk of being lost. So, Where to buy convent sweets and pastries in Ronda?
One of the convents preserving this ancient tradition is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Ronda. The convent has a small bakery where visitors can purchase unique and delicious “Convent Sweets” while also supporting the nuns financially.
Every day, many people visit the Nuestra Señora de la Merced church and take photographs. However, they often continue on to other popular tourist destinations in Ronda, such as the Alameda gardens, bullring and Puente NuevoAs a result, they may miss out on a fascinating and hidden corner of daily life in Ronda.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced is one of Ronda’s more curious churches, and is also a convent for the nuns and priests of the Discalced Carmelites of Ronda. Previously they resided in the Santa Cecilia church.
The term “Discalced Carmelites” refers to a branch of the Carmelite Order within the Catholic Church, known for their reform movement initiated by Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross in the 16th century. “Discalced” literally means “without shoes,” symbolizing their commitment to a life of poverty, simplicity, and strict adherence to the contemplative traditions of the order. This reform emphasized a return to the original spirit of the Carmelite hermits, focusing on prayer, community life, and austerity.
La Merced is more correctly a “Basilica” since it is home to a holy relic. The “incorruptible hand of Saint Teresa of Avila” and the story behind this is in itself worth telling even if you never visit the church. (Although if you visit Ronda you’ll most certainly see the church as you pass by the Alameda gardens.)
Here are some quick directions to the bullring (plaza de toros), tourist office, Puente Nuevo and other main monuments. after arriving at Ronda’s bus and rail Stations. (Scroll down for more detailed descriptions and directions.)
How to get to the bullring from the bus station in Ronda
Exit the bus station and follow Calle San Jose to it’s end, then turn left into Calle Doctor Fleming (maps show it as Calle Jerez), and keep going till you reach the Ronda bullring. Check the map below.
How to get to the main monuments in Ronda from the train station
Exit the railway station and walk straight ahead crossing the road in front and walk along the Avenida Martinez Astein pedestrian gardens until you reach the “Carerra Espinel” (known locally as La Bola), then turn right and keep going down hill through this pedestrian shopping street till you reach the bullring. Check the map below.
Current weather conditions in Ronda, Spain. Month by month average seasonal weather information. Whats the weather in Ronda?
The weather in Ronda is fairly typical of Southern Spain, however being surrounded by mountains, this gives Ronda some unique weather patterns making our summers and winters a bit different from the Costa del Sol.
First of all, we are situated several hundred metres higher than the coast, and on top of a plateau surrounded by lower valleys and higher mountains, often meaning the weather in Ronda can be markedly different from even some of the nearer villages such as Montecorto or Grazalema.
