Magnificent Town of Ronda

Tired from traveling the whole day, but I look out the window of our train plying Mr. Henderson’s railway en route to Ronda and all is well.

view-from-train

The scenery was stunning and the countryside, beautiful.  It was a good decision, taking the train to Ronda as it was a gloriously scenic route.

 

rock-outcrop

On the plateau of a large rock outcrop stands the magnificent town of Ronda,

rugged-tracts-of-mountains

surrounded by rugged tracts of mountains, the Guadalquivir River running through it.

guadalquivir-river

Gorgeous city steeped in history, set in and around a deep gorge known as El Tajo (the edge),

el-tajo-gorge

and spanned by an astounding 18th century arched bridge,

puente-nuevo

the Puente Nuevo, connecting La ciudad, the old Ronda with the new.

The old quarter charms with cobbled stone streets,

cobbled-stone-streets

lovely churches, striking white houses

Sta.-Maria-la-mayor

and buildings with wrought iron balconies

wrought-iron-balconies

but not to let pass the cafes, tapas bars and restaurants that sprinkle the town.

tapas-bar

For decades, Ronda has been favored by those with a passion for Spanish food and likes to eat well. Tapas, small portions of food, both hot and cold, are served in bars and bodegas to go with a copa de fino (dry Spanish sherry) or beer.

A pleasant and enjoyable way to take in its rich heritage is to wander around town to savor not only the sights but its cuisine as well.

performer

We spent a whole lot of time walking the streets of Ronda, captivated by the spectacular views it offered at every turn. No wonder Welles and Hemingway spent so much time there.  I wish I had taken their cue and spent more time there.

Ronda delivered beyond my expectation.  It was a fantastic kick-off to an Andalusian adventure.

More of Ronda through my lens:

on-the-bridge-to-the-old-townOn the Puente Nuevo
plaza-del-toroPlaza del Toro — Ronda’s bullring known to be the world’s first purpose-built bullring.  The first fight in this bullring took place in 1785 with the famous matador, Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo.
Iglesia-de-Sta.-Maria-la-MayorIglesia de Sta. Maria la Mayor
white-housesRonda is symbolic of Andalusia’s white town
la-cuidadOn the bridge facing the south side of the gorge, La Ciudad and the heart of Moorish Ronda.
Ronda-at-nightRonda at night.
modern-townPlaza de España— Ronda’s modern ide of the gorge.
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