The ancient city of Ronda in Spain, in the province of Malaga, is one of the most visited cities in the autonomous community of Andalusia, as it stands out for its urban planning as well as for its landscape and history.
Undoubtedly, the most surprising thing about Ronda is that its urban area is divided in two by the gorge of the Tajo de Ronda, which is more than 150 meters deep. To join both sides was created the New Bridge, the symbol of the city, from where you can see the crests of the mountains of Grazalema and Las Nieves, and white villages nestled among wooded slopes. The bridge, which was completed in the late eighteenth century, took more than 40 years to build. Today it serves not only to connect the old part with the new, but also as a viewpoint. Next to it is the Parador, from where you can also get wonderful views. There are other bridges that cross the city: the Arab, which was built in the fourteenth century, and the Old Bridge, which only consists of an arch of about 10 meters in diameter.
Beyond the bridge, Ronda's old town stands out for its old quarter which, as it could not be otherwise, has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Many peoples inhabited these lands, such as the Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, although they were finally reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs. However, in this area of the city of medieval layout we still observe Arab reminiscences.
Yes, the old town of Ronda is tremendously beautiful, but there are more areas of the city that are also worth visiting. From the neighborhood of San Francisco, one of the three parts of the city, you can see the Almocabar Gate, built in the thirteenth century, which connects with the old town. In addition, you can also contemplate the Arab wall and visit the Arab Baths, which are very well preserved. We should also mention the Convent of San Francisco, which only preserves the church. Finally, we have to talk about the neighborhood of El Mercadillo, the most modern area, which also houses interesting points of interest, such as the Parador de Turismo; the bullring of Ronda, one of the oldest in the world; the Alameda Park; the Vicente Espinel Theater and a large number of churches.
