Ronda

Ronda lies in the north-western province of Malaga in Spain It is surrounded by mountains of great continuity and medium altitude which provide for it great weather for abundant vegetation and good soil. 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. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, for its unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.


 * __Population:__** 35,529


 * __Altitude:__** 739 meters


 * __Distance from Granada:__** 182 km

Plaza de España, 1, 29400 Ronda. Tel: 952 8712 72 Ayuntamiento, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, 29400 Ronda. Tel: 952 87 32 40
 * __Information Centre:__** Plaza de Blas Infante, s/n 29400, Ronda, Tlf: 952 18 71 19, Fax: 952 18 71 47

Palacio de Mondragon: The Palace mingles the Mudejar style and Renaissance elements (the doorway on the facade). Inside there remain some traces of the azulejos and plasterwork laid down in earlier times between the charming arches of the Mudejar patio. Arab Baths: Their impressive size makes us recall that Ronda was formerly the capital of a Taifa Kingdom. They were built at the end of the 13C. Plaza de Toros: Built in 1785, the arenas are among the oldest and most attractive in Spain and they are the largest in the world with a diameter or of 66 m. The neo-classical, simple interior is divided into two storeys with Tuscan columns. Arab Walls and City Gates: Ronda is provided with diverse gates and defensive walls of Muslim time. The door of Almocábar located in the South sector of the medina; to the east the walls and doors of the Cijara; and to the west the walls of the Albacara. Arch of Philip V: After the collapse of the first new bridge at 1741, it was planned the need of improving that city entrance, due to the fact of the great number of people and merchandises that had to enter the city taking that way. Palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra: Next to the Padre Jesús quarter, it has got a magnificient baroque facade made of stone masonry with a linteled door, Corynthian columns and a great typical of Ronda forging balcony. St. Sebastian's Minaret: The minaret of St. Sebastian was formerly a small tower belonging to one of the mosques of Ronda and later was used as bell tower of the also disappeared church of St. Sebastian. It was declared as historical monument in 1.931 House of St. John Bosco: It is a modernist palace built at the beginning of the 20th century. It is located at the Tajo's edge, at the heart of the historical city quarter of Ronda. It belonged to the Granada family, which gave it as last will to the Salesian Priest Order.
 * __Monuments:__**


 * __Food and Drink:__** Tapas are a very famous pastime of the inhabitants of Ronda. Some of the most famous are: La Leyenda, La Farola, Limbo and Faustino. There are also many great restaurants that are considered "walk-up" restaurants in and around the whole city of Ronda.

__January:__ Cabalgata de Reyes __February:__ Carnival in Ronda - Lights, colors, and music that run throughout the streets of Ronda. In ending of the carnival, inhabitants participtate in the burning of the ´doll. __March:__ Crafts Fair - An outdoor exhibition and sale of different pieces of arts and crafts __May:__ Real Feria de Mayo - This takes place in the second half of May, commemorating the conquest of the Christians and has been held since the time of the Catholic Monarchs. This is the oldest fair in Andalucia where one can purchase things from livestock, food processing, and different crafts. You can also taste wine, sausages, cheese, etc... __June:__ Festividad del Corpus Christi y Romeria de la Virgen de la Cabeza. __August:__ Festivales de verano ´Musica y Crepusculos´ and Festival de Cante Grande y Gala Folklorica Internacional __September:__ Feria de Pedro Romero - This festival is dedicated to the legendary bullfighter Pedro Romero who is attributed with the introduction of the ´muleta´ Feria del Centro - Throughout the week, the streets of Ronda are filled with lanterns and colorful awnings, along with people dressed in typical Andalucian attire that sing and perform dances. __October:__ Feria en el Barrio de San Francisco - This is the original neighborhood where the fairs and festivals took place dating from the time of the Catholic Monarchs. __December:__ Christmas
 * __Festivities:__** Ronda offers a wide variety of cultural events and events throughout the year, from live music concerts, public art exhibitions and social events, folklore, gastronomy, literary, political, and much more .Ronda is an ancient mountain town of scenic vistas, romantic plazas, and historic treasures. Once a year, Ronda also sees a return to tradition with its annual //Feria Goyesca//. A fairly recent festival, at least in Andalucian terms, it has become an event that has captured the imagination of Spain with its traditional dress, important bullfights, and its ageless glamour.