Even if, like me, you don’t agree with bullfighting, it is undeniable that the Plaza de Toros (bullring) in Ronda occupies a very special place in modern Spanish culture and history as the home of the Rondeño style of bullfighting and also of the Real Maestranza De Caballería De Ronda. A guided tour of Ronda and the bullring is well worth the small expense. The bullring was built entirely of stone in the 18th century, during the golden years of Pedro Romero’s reign as a champion bullfighter.
Would you like to visit a fighting bull farm in Ronda?
Reservatoro Ronda is a working breeding farm of fighting bulls and pure Andalusian horses, located just 5 km from Ronda. It was created by the now retired bullfighter Rafael Tejada. It is open to the public, giving visitors the opportunity to share in the lives of these animals throughout all their breeding stages and their fascinating selection process, as well as interact with them.
Reservatauro Ronda is an active breeding farm for fighting bulls and purebred Andalusian horses, situated just 5 kilometers from Ronda.
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!
The House of the Giant, otherwise known as the Casa del Gigante in Ronda’s old city is one of the most complete examples of Nasrid architecture outside of Granada and definitely a destination that should be on your list of places to see in Ronda.
This house is located in a quiet plaza behind the Santa Maria La Mayor church, and directly across from the Museo Peinado. The Casa del Gigante is just 2 minutes walk from the Puente Nuevo and Plaza d’España, and not too far from the Mondragon Palace. A statue of Vincent Espinel is located directly in front of the entrance to the House of the Giant.
The palace was already more than 100 years old at the time of the fall of Ronda to Ferdinand’s army in 1485 and apart from some redecorating in the 17th century is still largely complete as a Moorish building.
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!
Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Acinipo: A Glimpse into Roman History
Acinipo, or Ronda la Vieja (Old Ronda) is a captivating archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the Roman era of southern Spain. Located just a short drive from Ronda, Acinipo boasts well-preserved ruins that tell the story of a once-thriving Roman city.
Visitors to Acinipo can explore the remnants of a grand amphitheater, which could seat up to 2,000 spectators and stands as a testament to the city’s historical significance. The site also features ruins of Roman baths, residential areas, and intricate mosaics that provide insights into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants.
Acinipo Amphitheatre
Nestled atop a hill, Acinipo offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it not only a journey through history but also a scenic adventure. The combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes Acinipo a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Discover more about this remarkable site and plan your visit to Acinipo to walk through the pages of history and experience the grandeur of Roman civilization firsthand.
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 don’t mind a short walk of ten minutes or so after leaving the Puente Nuevo, just keep walking down street, known as Calle Armiñan, for about a 700m. At the bottom of the hill you will find the Almocabar Gate and Wall (Puerte de Almocabar y Murallas) Within the wall are two gates that were the main entrance to Ronda during Moorish times.
Puerta de Almocabar
The two gates are the Almocabar Gate and the Carlos V Gate. It was through these very gates that Ferdinand first entered Ronda on their Triumphal march into Ronda La Ciudad after the reconquest.
Scan the QR code to go directly to the Audio guide at VoiceMap
Listening to me along the way (and also some captivating guitar music from the amazing Paco Seco), you’ll pass breathtaking lookout points including the Mirador de Ronda and the Mirador de Aldehuela.
The Puerta de Almocábar, which is in the south stretch of the defensive wall system, is one of the most outstanding remains of the impressive walled city of Ronda. Building started the 1200s and it has been destroyed and rebuilt quite a few times over the centuries. One of the main defensive entrances to Ronda’s walled city. It was here that Ferdinand II`s army finally crushed the Moors in 1485.
Fantastic image of the Puerta de Almocabar and Espirito Santo church in Ronda by José Palau. See more of his work here.
Much, much later during Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and Portugal in the Peninsular War of 1808 to 1814 much of Ronda’s fortifications were destroyed and the Almocabar gate itself was left in total ruins. In fact, it was not restored to its current look until the 1960s.
Behind the gate, you’ll see the huge church of the Espirito Santo which is built on top of a mosque and consecrated to commemorate the day on which the city was taken by the catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella.
There are also plenty of bars and restaurants here as well a a childrens play park. On weekends and holidays these bars get quite busy so if you want to get a good spot on a terrace for enjoying the views and people watching then get there well before 2pm.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
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.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
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!
In a word, Yes! Ronda is a city in the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is known for its picturesque location on a mountain plateau. Its historic old town and impressive bridge over the El Tajo gorge are very popular attractions. The city has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times.
Some of its most notable landmarks include the Arab Baths, the New Bridge and the Plaza de Toros. (One of the oldest bullfighting rings in Spain.) Ronda is also known for its traditional crafts and cuisine, as well as its proximity to the Sierra de las Nieves National park.. Is Ronda worth visiting? Yes! :)
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!
