Ronda, Andalusia, Spain
Top Great Things to Do In Ronda
Click 'Find Things to Do' below to view Top Attractions & Things to Do & to Book.
Ronda Attractions
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ronda
The easy Way to visit Rondas Attractions
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Book a Scenic Tour of Ronda from Costa del Sol
- Ronda is one of Spain’s most breath-taking towns
- You will have plenty of time to explore the beauty and charm of ancient Ronda where you will see:
- The dramatic Tajo Gorge which is plunges down to a depth of 400 feet & 50 feet wide.
- The Tajo seperates the ancient walled town in its impregnable position and the new town on the other side
- The impressive New Bridge across the Tajo. Although it is called new it was built in the 18th century
- Houses build right on top of the Tajo.edge and the adjacent valley
- Entrance to the Cathedral & Casa Juan Bosco
- The dramatic Tajo Gorge which is plunges down to a depth of 400 feet & 50 feet wide.
- The tour is led by a local expert guide and conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Air-conditioned Coach Tours from Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Estepona, Fuengirola, Marbella, Nerja & Torrox
Duration 10 hours (depending on your pick up location)
Ronda is a beautiful city located in Andalusia, Spain. The town is most famoust for the deep gorge and tall arched bridge. The gorge splits Ronda in two, the Old city on one side & the new town on the other.
New Bridge Ronda (Puente Nuevo)
The new bridge at Ronda is the bridge that everybody comes to see. Although it is called new it is infact over 200 years old, being completed in 1793.
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New Bridge Ronda
Ronda New Bridge with restaurants on the right hand side
More information about the Ronda New Bridge on our Ronda Bridges page
Old Bridge Ronda (Puente Viejo)
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Old Bridge Ronda. Photo by darobin
More information about the Ronda Old Bridge on our Ronda Bridges page
Roman Bridge Ronda (Puente Roman)Also known as the Arab bridge
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Ronda Arab Bridge also known as the Roman Bridge
More information about the Ronda Roman (Arab) Bridge, Old Bridge & New Bridge on our Ronda Bridges page
Alamedia Park
A nice park to the rear of the Bulll Ring and extending to the edge of Ronda's Gorge where there is a viewing platform jutting out into mid air with absolutly magnificent views.
Arab Baths
- The Arab baths were located outside Ronda's defencive wall near to the only gate leading to the North.
- This location near to the important northern route was always busy and also important allowed travellers to bath after a journey and before entering the city.
- Water for the baths was raised from the river to an aquaduct leading to the baths by donkey power see the very interesting video below.
Ronda City Walls
Almocabar Gate (Puerta de Almocábar)
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Almocabar Gate (Puerta de Almocabar) & Walls, with the Holy Spirit Church behind
Ronda Walls East side (Murallas Del Carmen)
See our page about Ronda's City Walls and gates
Alminar de San Sebastian Minaret
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Alminar de San Sebastian Arab Minaret
Alminar de San Sebastian Minaret Arab Arch Doorway, Photo by Tourism of Ronda
Photo by Tourism of Ronda
- An interesting looking tower made of brick. The reonly mains of an Islamic Mosque dating to the 14th century.
- Later it was used as a belfry for a church that also now does not exist.
Ronda Churches
Holy Spirit Church (Iglesia del Espiritu Santo)
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Holy Spirit Church entrance
Holy Spirit Church behind the Ramparts
Holy Spirit Church
The site of the church was originally a Moors octagonal watch tower located at a strategic spot just inside and in the corner of Ronda's city walls. Along with the castle it also dominated both iners gates from the routes from botyh the North & South
After the Ronda was captured from the Moors The Holy Spirit Church (Iglesia del Espiritu Santo) was built,on orders of the King & Queen, towards the later end of the 15th century and the early 16th century. The roof of ribber stellar vaults is from a later period.
It was built on the site and built on top of a octagonal watch tower which was destroyed by canon fire during the siege of Ronda by the Christians in 1485.
The church is designed in a mix of Gothic & Renaissance architecture with a fortified appearance very popular in this troubled waring period
Compared to other Catholic Churches it is fairly plain both outside & inside.
Look out for:
- The dove in a niche over the entrance arch signifying The Holy Spirit.
- The stellar vaulting of the ceiling. Note how the ribbing gives a star shaped appearance and greatly enhances what would be a plain vaulted ceiling.
- The triumphal arch set on wide elevated pillars that opens onto the main chapel.
Father Jesus Church (Iglesia de Padre Jesús)
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Padre Jesus Church Ronda.
- Built in the 16th century the church has 3 naves seperated by pillars supporting Norman styled arches.
- The central nave displays a selection of Moorish Armour.
- The small chapel has some facinating baroque decoration
Full-Day Ronda Tour from Costa del Sol
Ocho Canos drink fountain
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Los Ocho Canos drink fountain. Photo by Tourism of Ronda
Maria Auxiliadora Church
- Built on the site of the Roman then Moor Laurel Castle, very little of it remains.
Location of Maria Auxiliadora Church
Located on the south side of Plaza de la Duquesa de Parcent (square)
Saint Mary's Church (Santa Maria de la Encarnation la Mayor)
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Saint Marys Church Frontal View
Saint Marys Church Tower
It is thought that a temple stood on the site in the Roman era. A Mosque was then built by the Arabs, being replaced by a chuch after the Arab s were defeated in Ronda in 1485.
The building started in 1485 and carried on until the 17th century.
Because of it's long time in building
There are 4 artitechtual styles in the building:
- A small amount of the Islamic original mosque is still present in the Mirhab arch
- Gothic styling in 3 of the naves, especially the columns and oval arches.
- Rensaissance styling is visible in the Choir area with its cedarwood and walnut tiered seating with carved backs.
- The baroque styles were added neat to the completion oh St Mary's.
The Mirhab arch
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Saint Marys Church Islamic Mirhab Arch
This arch and part of the wall behind the Altar of the Tabernacle are the only remains of the original mosque. Note the geometric and calligraphic motifs.
Our Lady of Socorro Church (Parroquia de Nuestra Senora del Socorro)
- The site has a long history of hermatages, hospitals fot the poor & churches
- The current church was built from scratch, i.e. it is entirely new and built is entirely new, being built 1950 and 1956 .
- The church has 3 naves & 5 domes
St. Michael Ermitage (Ermita de San Miguel)
- An ermitage chapel built on the site of a Moorish Mosque
- The hermitage is closed to the public and requires some repairs,
- In the days of the Moors travellers to Ronda would first bathe in the nearby Arab baths before praying in the Mosque
Location of St Michaels Hermitage
- Located just inside Rondas outer wall Gate, situated next to the Arab Bridge.
- The Gate & Wall in this location no longer in existance.
- Near to the Arab Baths located outside the walls.
- Note: The outer wall was located between the stream and next to the modern day road
Bandolero Museum (Museo del Bandolro)
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Bandolero Museum Sign
Modern horesmen dressed as Bandoleros. Photo by Tourism of Ronda
A Museum about the local bandits that the region from Malaga to Cadiz was famous for. Ronda was a centrally placed within this region.
These bandits could easily hide out in the mountains of Andalusia out of the reach of the authorities.
The poor of Andalucía looked up to these Bandoleros as folk heoros s resisting the brutal tyronany of the ruling land owner class. This was similar to the poor Anglo Saxons respecting Robin Hood in his fight against the Norman Sheriff of Nottingham.
Highway robbery was there way of living, robbing wealthy travellers, the Royal Mail and even coaches carrying gold or silver.
Another source of income was earned by smuggling tobbacco and other goods the carried excise duties.
Guardia Civil
In order to combat the Bandoleros the government set up the Guardia Civil in the reign of Isabel II in 1844 who proved to be very good at wiping out most of the Bandoleros. Some of who continued there activities into the 20th century.
The Guardia Civil was a military styled police force similar to the French Gendarerie whose dress uniform includes the unusually shaped and famous tricornio hat. Now in every day use they wear cap, a beret or the characteristic "gorra teresiana" which has a slight resemblance to a baseball cap.
Bull Ring Ronda (Plaza de Torus)
The Entrance to Ronda's Bull Ring
Bull Statue Plaza de Toros de Ronda. Photo by Ronnie Macdonald
Plaza de Toros de Ronda Gates. Photo by rosemarydukelow
Bull Ring Ronda. Plaza de Toros Museum. Photo by rosemarydukelow
Bull Ring Ronda Plaza de Toros Carriage. Photo by Tourism of Ronda
Bull Ring Ronda, Plaza de Toros de Ronda. Photo by Merce
The Plaza de Toros Ronda. Photo by kevinpoh
A museum is located at the Bull ring
Website (Spanish)
- Regarded as the home of Spanish Bullfighting opened in 1785.
- The oldest stone built bullring. There were older wooden bullrings
- With a width of 66m this is the largest bull ring in the world, although the building was relativly small with a modest seating capacity of 5,000
- The bullring is unique having all the seating under cover.
Caza Museum - Hunting
- A large selection of Mounted Animal Heads. Basically some trophy rooms in a beautiful building
- A visit is a must if you are a hunting enthusiast else give it a miss.
Don Bosco House & Museum
Original built as a modernist palace for a wealthy family in the 20th century who later left it to the Salesian Priest Order as nursing home for old or ill priests.
The house is open to the public & you can view the magnificent walnut furniture, fabulous fireplaces and tapestries from the 19th century.
To the rear of the house are the very formalised coutyard and gardensdecorated with a regional ceramic tyles.
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The New Bridge from Don Bosco House Gardens
Tourist entering Don Bosco House Entrance
Don Bosco House View, Fountain & Gardens
Don Bosco House fabulous tile work
Don Bosco House Garden
Don Bosco House antique carved table & chairs
Don Bosco House antique ornate carved fireplace surround
At the far side of the gardens is a ballustrated wall seperating it from the end of the precipice descending to Ronda 's gorge (Tajo) bottom.
This location ensures magestic views from both the gardens and house into the gorge, the open countryside and the far gorge cliff top, topped with Ronda's New Town.
The Giants House (Casa del Gigante)
- Heritage museum located in one of the best preserves Nasrid Dynasty house.
- With classical Islamic architecture of the era including:
- A 900 turn at the entrance
- A central courtyard with possibly a pool
- Classical plasterworwork
- The house is named after 2 Giant statues, only one remains today, of Phoenician origin.
Salvatierra Palace (Palacio Salvatierra Ronda)
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Salvatierra Palace Baroque Entrance. Photo by variable1979
- After the conquest of Ronda by the Christian army, The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, gifted some Moorish houses, in the Palaces location to Vasco Martín de Salvatierra for his services.
- The family built the palce in the 16th century
- With wealth made from the plunder of the Americas, the palace was renovated, includinf the spectacular doorway:
- The classical style aristocratic majestic Baroque doorway is well worth close inspection:
- The door has an ornated lintel by double Corinthian columns on each side.
- Above is an ornimental wrought iron balastrade around the balcony.
- Note the mirror image nude figures, clearly of South American influence, located on either side of the windowThe male has a protrudibf tonge & the female covers her private parts with her hands.
- Above the balcony window is the Salvatierra coat of arms.
- e is a typical wrought iron balcony from Ronda, finished with a segmented pediment bearing the Both sides of the pediment are resting on respective pairs of nude figures,
- Normaly only the exterior can be viewed. Occasionally the family open some of the palace to the public..
Location of The Salvatierra Palace
- The Palace of the Marquis de Salvatierra is located at Calle Marques de Salvatierra, 26.
- This is at the NE corner of the Old Town overlooking the Tajo Gorge, Old & Arab Bridges
Felipe V Arch
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Felipe V Arch Ronda. Photo by darobin
Ronda City Hall (Ayuntamiento)
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City Hall Old Town Ronda
The Ronda Town Hall is located centrally in the Old Town and faces a nice square
The 3 story buiding was erected in 1734 as a barracks for the military. After the Peninsular War the barracks went into disrepair.
A major restoration took place in 1818 and it rverted to a barracks for a short while.
Further restoration took place in 1973
Mondragon Palace
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Palacio de Mondragon Ronda. Photo by GOC53
Tourists at Mondragon Palace
Mondragon Palace Arab Arch. Photo by GOC53
- Thought to be built in 1314 by an unknown Moorish ruler, possibly King Abb el Malik.
- It is the most important Palace in Ronda
- After the defeat of the Moors, Mondragon Palace became the residence of King Fernando and Queen Isabella.
- Now Ronda's Civic Museum
Location of Mondragon Palace
- Located on the SW cliffs of Ronda's Old Town
- Entrance from Plaza Mondragon
Casa del Ray Moro
Casa del Ray Moro & the hanging gardens,. Photo by GOC53
- Casa del Ray Moro, it's amazing hanging gardens, & the Water Mine, Ronda are a must attraction to visit.
- The current buildings of the Casa del Ray Moro was built in the 18th century but the mine was built by the Moors
The Water Mine at Casa del Ray Moro
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A few of over 230 steps going down the mine
- The mine was a secret route down through and inside the cliff to the water source of the river running through the gorge.
- The Mine was built by the Moors 14th century during the rule of Ronda’s King Abomelic
- The Mine is located in the Hanging Garden grounds of the Casa del Ray Moro in the Old Town of Ronda.
- When visiting the Mine bear in mind:
- The steps are of different heights
- They are often damp or wet & can be slippery
- The lighting can be dim in places, so take care on the steps
- If you are getting older remember the return to the gardens can be exhausting.
- Besides the the steps there are vauled chambers, window openings to let in light, for observation of the river or for defensive fireing through
- The mine was dug by christian slave labour enlarfing a natural crack in a recessed are of the cliff face
- Any outer stone work was soon covered in moss and vegetation making the mine almost invisible from the outside.
- A waterwheel lifted the water up one floor level . This wheel was turned by the muscle power of the slaves.
- The water in in animal skin containers then had to passed up to the top by a human chain of slaves, or carried up the steps.
- The mine also provided a secret entrance / exit to the city hence the door, which was not required for the water supply.
Video of The Mine & River Guadiaro
- The mine was a secret way for Ronda to obtain water during times of siege.
- The mine has 231 steps & a height of 60m, roughly a 6 story building.
- While watching the video think of the chain of slaves lined up most of the the steps who had to pass from hand to hand skins full of water from the waterwheel with buckets lifted the water 15m only part of the way. The waterwheel was hand cranked by the slaves.
- In times of peace, horse & carts used along the road were probably the way water was transported to the town.
Ronda Bus Station
Ronda Bus Station is located in the New Town. Address: Plaza Concepcion Garcia Redondo 2 29400
Ronda Train station
Trains to: Algeciras, Madrid, Seville, Granada and Málaga
Ronda Train Station is located in the New Town. Address: Avenida de Andalusia s/n, 29400 Ronda Station
Hours: 6:45h a 23:45h
Restaurants & Bars
There is a wide range of cafes, bars & Restaurants in both the Old & new towns of Ronda. Some of them are in prime locations with spectacular views of the gorge & surrounding countryside.
Ronda New Bridge Restaurants
San Miguel Restaurant
Located in the new town of Ronda immediatly next to the New bridge and perched on the very edge of the gorge, affording magnificent views of both the bridge, gorge and Convent of Santo Domingo on the opposite gorge crest.
Casa Santa Pola Restaurant
A top quality restaurant
El Morabito Restaurant Ronda
El Morabito Restaurant Ronda
A bar in Calle Espintu Santo
Bar in Calle Espintu Santo
Ronda's View Points (Mirador)
Below are listed the main viewing areas (Mirador) in Ronda that have been allocated a name.
Any part of ronda that is on the gorge or cliff edge you can enjoy magnificent views. Many of these are public and free, this incudes the listed viwpoints and the cliff top paths between them.
Many of the Palaces, museums charge a fee for entry. Besides the interior beauty of the building and it's contents, the views from its windows and or it's gardens locanted at the rear of the building and on the cliff or gorge top are an enjoyment in itself.
Restaurants There are many restaurants in enviable positions where you can enjoy memorable views for the price of a drink or meal. Note the prices are usually higher than back street restaurants, and possibly the food not as good. This of course is the same all over the world.
Ronda's Viewpoint (Mirador de Ronda)
Also Known as:
Alameda Del Tajo
Mirador Paseo Blas Infante, the name of the walkway from the main road.
- The view point is situated on a part of the clifftop that projects outwards provinding views on 3 sides.
- This is regarded as the best viewing platform in Ronda. The thrill of the sheer drop, and the spectacular views of the River Guadalevin Valley and the dramatic mountains at the far side. The Gorges exit and the ruined walls that protected the mills and cattle refuge. The western wall & white houses on the old town cliff top.
- There is also a viewing platform that projects out overhanging the cliff edge, daring you to look straight down.ovrt the iron railings.
- Because the River Guadalevin is flowing Westward, This area of the Tajo Gorge is the deepest
Location of Mirador de Ronda
- In Ronda's New Town.
- From The New Bridre follow the Tajo Cliff top path towards the bullring.
- The viewpoint is next to a gazebo, a sttructure that looks like an English bandstand before you reach the bullring.
- Alternativly after crossing the New Bridge head further into the New Town by crossing the the either contine northwards by walking down the narrow Calle Jose Aparicio, full or restaurants and a hotel, or walking along the main road, Calle Virgen de la Paz.
- When reaching the Bullring turn left towards the cliff edge, the turn left again towards the Gasebo
Cuenca Gardens
- Multi level hip high stone walled terraces that act as viewing terrace platforms over the Tajo gorge to the Old Town.
- From one spot the furthest north all 3 bridges can be seen from the same platform. in all the others the New Bride is obscured by the bend in the Tago.
- They cover an area of over 2500 sq metres
- Each of the over 20 terraces are artistically designed by the architect Javier Carrasco :
- The terraces are designed more with the fantastic gorge views than with the garden aspect, but there are interesting small flower beds palm trees.
- The terraces are interconected with pathways and lots of steps tht run in all directions.
- The clever design ensures that the number of steps in a run are not many before reaching a platform, where while enjoyiny the view you are having a rest before the next flight.
- The terraces also have plenty of stone benches if you want a rest, or have bit of a picnic.
Location of Cuenca Gardens
With bottom & top Entrances / Exists:
- Next to the Old Bridge (Puente Viejo), near the gorge bottom
- At the top of the gorge. From the New Bridge
- Head into the New Town along Calle Armnan
- Take the first turning on the right, Calle Rosario.
- Take the first turning on the right, Calle Virgen de los Remedios
- Opposit number 53 Take the first narrow street, Calle Escollerason the right. This is opposite number 53
- The alley turns left and widens. Either
- Turn right through the Gateway into the Cuenca Gardens
- Or Go straight on down the steps to go directly to the Old Bridge, by-passing the Cuenca Gardens
Mirador de Aldehuela
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View from Mirador de Aldehuel of Tajo Gorge, Cuenca Gardens & Old Bridge
Location of Mirador de Aldehuela
As you look at the New Bridge from Ronda's Old Town the viewpoint is on the right of the bridge.
See location Mirador de Aldehuela on our Ronda Map
Next to the far west corner of Ronda's old town with one of the highest drops into the gorge bottom. This drop is not a shear precipice and allows a footpath to snake down to the lower walls of the Albacara.
Dramatic views of of the gorge opening out into the wide rich agricultural country side and the mountains in the distance.
The square is ringed with trees providing shade from the sun, a small fountain and has park benches to sit on.
Immediatly to the south of the square is the El Moabito restaurant
and across the road the El Campillar Bar
Alcabar Wall (Murallas del Alcabar )
Looking from the Plaza de María Auxiliadora down below on a ledge in the valley sides are the remains of the cities outer walls, the 'Murallas del Alcabar', and remains of the corn & olive mills.
There is a path that zig zags down from to the walls and to places where there are fabulous views of the Tajo gorge & New Brige.
Arab Hammam Aguas de Ronda
Take a turkish bath in this modern, but built in ancient style Hammam.
- 5 swimming pools
- Turkish bath
- Infrared room
- Warm bed
- Ice fountain
- Tea
- Gold rooms (traditional arab Hammam)
Cuenca Gardens
- Multi level hip high stone walled terraces that act as viewing platformsover the Tajo gorge.
- They cover an area of over 2500 sq metres
- Each of the over 20 terraces are artistically designed by the architect Javier Carrasco :
- The terraces are designed more with the fantastic gorge viws than with the garden aspect, but there are interesting small flower beds palm trees.
- The terraces are interconected with pathways and lots of steps tht run in all directions.
- The terraces also have plenty of stone benches if you want a rest, or have bit of a picnic.
Location of Cuenca Gardens
With Entrances:
- Next to the Old Bridge (Puente Viejo), near the gorge bottom
- At the top of the gorge. From the New Bridge
- Head into the New Town along Calle Armnan
- Take the first turning on the right, Calle Rosario.
- Take the first turning on the right, Calle Virgen de los Remedios
- Opposit number 53 Take the first narroow street, Calle Escollerason the right. This is opposite number 53
- The alley turns left and widens. Either
- Turn right through the Gateway into the Cuenca Gardens
- Or Go straight on down the steps to godirectly to the Old Bridge, bypassing the Gardens
Lara Museum
- The museum is segregated into the following rooms:
- 18th century Clocks
- 17th century) Weapons
- Scientific Instruments
- Archaeology
- 18th centur yWine cellars
- Collection of knives and catapults
- Art of bullfighting
- History of cinema and photography
Joaquin Peinado’s Museum Moctezumas’ Palace
Location of Joaquin Peinado’s Museum
Joaquin Peinado’s Museum is located in Moctezumas’ Palace
Plaza de María Auxiliadora
- A very plesant square with Majestic Pinsapo trees (Abies Pinsapo) .
- Great views from the entire 50m of it's western side the is als a Viewing Platform, Mirador de María Auxiliadora, located here.
- From the SW corner there is a pathway that zigzags down the cliff side which is now a steep slope.
- The path branches off in different directions to various attractions:
- Gate of the Winds Puerta Del Viento,
- Arch of Christ (Arco del Cristo). Originallt the gate of the Mills and the Wall of Murallas de Albacara to protect the slope where cattle could be driven in times of trouble.
- Ronda Bridge View Point. One of the best Viewing areas fot the New Bridge
Location of Plaza de María Auxiliadora
The square is located centrally on the western clff top of the old town
Drinking Fountain Marquez de Salvatierra (Fuente cuesta Marquez de Salvatierra)
Small drinking fountain, set into the end of a building. Only worth a look if passing by. Built onto the narrow end of a house
Location of Drinking Fountain Marquez de Salvatierra (Fuente cuesta Marquez de Salvatierra)
Located on Calle Marqués de Salvatierra, the most eastally street in the Old Town of Ronda with the junction of Calle Virgen de la Luz
Official Information Tourist Office
Ronda Tourist Office
Compromiso Calidad, Paseo de Blas Infante s/n.
Tel: 952 18 71 19
Andalusia Tourist Office.
Tourist Office of the Regional Government of Andalusia Plaza de España s/n. Tel.: 952 87 12 72 E mail: otronda@Andalusia.org
Ronda Area Mountainous Region Tourist Office
Tourist Office of Touristic Iniciatives Center in the Serranía de Ronda C/ Espíritu Santo nº 37 Tel.: 952 87 07 39
Sports in Ronda
Football Ground in Ronda
Located in Calle Maestro de Obras Díaz Machuca in the far east of Ronda
Located in Calle Maestro de Obras Díaz Machuca
Shopping in Ronda
Interactive Photo Calle Espinel, Shopping Street. Drag with mouse
- The main shopping street outside the 5 star Ronda Gourmet Grocery Shop. Click the arrow to go inside
- The main pedestrianised shopping street is Calle Espinel . That runs from near the bullring in a NE direction for 700m
- Previously the street was known as Calle Bola
- There are no large department Stores in Ronda
- Many shops are family owned
Food Market (The Mercado de Abastos de Ronda )
- A typical indoor food market with:
- Fresh ftruit, fish meat & vegetables.
- The area is famous for its black pudding,chorizo,cured pork & sausages.
Holidays & Hotels in Ronda
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Day Tours to Ronda
White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville
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