Amazing Ronda Attractions

Ronda town has plenty of amazing attractions which draw large crowds to it every year. The town and its surroundings offer beautiful natural landscapes that are tranquil and ideal for a relaxing holiday for the lone individual or family.

Ancient beauties

There are obvious hump-shaped cupolas at the river banks on the southwest region as well as unique glass roof-windows at old Baños Ãrabes which are open to the public for viewing at no cost. A 13th century old Roman bath has been recently restored utilizing the Roman system that offers cold, hot or tepid baths. Great effort has been put in to preserve this ancient structure. There are well preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling as well as octagonal brickwork pillars that support horseshoe arches which showcase the impressive architectural sophistication of that epoch.

At the Ciudad quarter stands Plaza Duquesa de Parcent which is Ronda’s town square that is of exquisite beauty. In the center is Santa María La Mayor Cathedral which stands in the site of a former Arab mosque. One can view the graceful external structures that combine Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish styles. Hence, it is not surprising to see a belfry on top of an ancient minaret on this monument. Although the inside is not as impressive, there are still interesting arches sporting Arabic calligraphy and other Arabian components such as an old Arab mihrab which is a prayer niche.

On the plaza’s west stands Casa de Mondragón which was a Moorish palace that is opened for public viewing. There are 3 well preserved patios of original stuccowork with a well carved ceiling. A museum exists to showcase local archeology with Moorish offerings.

At the plaza’s northeast stands Museo Lara housing the best works of rondeño Juan Antonio Lara. The family owned and ran a local bus company with Señor Lara being an avid collector of fascinating antique clocks, armaments, pistols, musical instruments, archeological finds, cinematographic equipment and cameras since childhood. These are showcased in Museo Lara.

Historical beauties

Towards the end of Ciudad lies the remains of Alcázar after the French destroyed it in 1809. The fortress was once virtually impregnable which served as the Moorish capital until 1485 before Granada fell to other hands 7 years later.

There are exquisite town gates of Moorish descent as well as Re-Conquest influence in their celebration of winning the region again. The Puerta de Carlos V stands next to the Alcázar before entering San Francisco suburb as a reminder of their conquest.