Trip from Marbella to Ronda, Andalucia
Ronda is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre.
Getting there: From our apartment, get taxi (Taxi-Sol +34 952 774488) to the bus station. Taxi-Sol are very efficient and come almost immediately. From Marbella Bus Station, Ronda bus currently leaves at 9.00, 11.00 and 11.30 in morning and returns at 16.30, 17.30 and 20.00. Check with Marbella Bus Station on +34 952 76 44 01 or +34 952 36 01 91 or +34 902 143 144. Journey time is 1 hr 25mins through varied and interesting terrain.
From the bus station in Ronda, follow the town maps towards the bridge across the gorge (down hill).
Ronda
is famous
for the deep El Tajo gorge that
carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. It also has a dramatic
escarpment and views.
Visitors make usually make straight for the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below. It has unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.
Ronda
is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting where bull fighters
would challenge bulls on foot rather than on horseback.The spectacular Feria
Goyesca held at the beginning of September sees fighters and some of the
audience dress as seen in Goya's sketches of life in the region. The bullring,
Plaza de Toros, is now a museum, and visitors can stroll out
into the arena and see where the bulls are kept and prepared for the spectacle.
The 'romería' pilgrimage each year, held
in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza is for those wishing to see the
lighter side of life in Ronda. This is a wonderful way to participate in
a local tradition
that dates back to the start of the 20th century.
Merced's Convent contains some religious relics, like the hand of St.Theresa of Jesus from the 17th century that according to church legend does not rot. The façade is divided into three vertical walls made of masonry and separated by brick pillasters. The front is made of stone with a semicircular decorated arch and frames over the door.
Across the bridge, the cloistered 16th century convent is now an art museum. Old Ronda has cobbled streets hemmed by handsome town mansions. See the exquisite miniature water gardens dating from its time as a Moorish palace during Ronda's brief reign as a minor Caliphate under Córdoba in the 12th century.
The cobbled alley to the Mondragón leads the leafy Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, which boasts a convent, two churches, including the toytown belltower of the iglesia Santa Maria de Mayor, and the handsome arched ayuntamiento (council) building.
La
Casa del Rey Moro (The Moorish Kings house) - gives entrance to the Water
Mine and the house's Hanging Gardens. The Water Mine
is a true Moorish structure likely constructed by the Moorish King Abomelic,
consisting of a series of interconnecting stairways and chambers. It starts
at the top of Ronda's cliff face and meanders down to the Guadalevin River.
In earlier times the water mine not only provided water for the city but
it
was essential in helping the city withstand an extended attack from the
outside. At the bottom of the steps is a great view of the gorge.
Have a nice Day
Another great trip from our apartment in Marbella
