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| Ronda, Old Town on bluffs of El Tajo Canyon |
Historically, Ronda was a Roman outpost founded by Scipio Africanus and fell to the Moors in 713. Roman walls and bridge remain as do the Moorish structures. Arab control ended in 1485 at the hands of the Spanish during the Reconquista. French occupied the area during the Peninsular War and Ronda became a hotbed for guerrillas and bandits. Today, Ronda hosts a Bandolero Museum. The Ronda populace suffered greatly during the Spanish Civil War and many of its inhabitants left the city following the war.
Remember Hemingway's, For Whom the Bell Tolls (FWTBT)? Hemingway spent several summers in Ronda and fell in love with bullfighting and the town, itself. In FWTBT, a passage described the execution of a number of Nationalist sympathizers by flinging them off the high cliffs of El Tajo. Many believe that Ronda was the inspiration for that scene.
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| Ronda - hotel and restaurant on the precipice |
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| Ronda, Old Town |
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| View of New Bridge from below New town on left Old town on right |
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| View of New Bridge from below |
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| Bandolero Museum |
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| Cliffs of El Tajo from below |
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| View of Arab Bridge |
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| Arab Baths |
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| View of old city gate from Arab Bridge |
Wow - amazing sites with so much history. Great place to take a break for refreshments too!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great little city, Dean, with spectacular views. One to which I would enjoy a return visit.
DeleteAs I may have mentioned, my parents owned a condominium on the Costa del Sol in Malaga for about 12 years. Sadly, at that time I was starting my practice, and then had young children so travel to visit them there was not feasible (and their place was far to small to put us up). However, they of course brought back many pictures and stories, and Rhonda was one of their favorite places to visit from there, along with Granada and Gibraltar... and Marakesh!
ReplyDeletePeter, hopefully one day you can make the journey to Andalusia and experience the sights (and sites) first hand. The geography of Ronda is quite unbelievable. No wonder it was a strong point for whomever controlled it.
DeletePicturesque scenery and a dramatic stage in the Vuelta, with Degenkolb and Bouhanni's little show down. And finally leaving Benalmadena we saw the favorites starting to show their faces in the race!
ReplyDeleteYes, the GC Big Boys began to play their hands with the summit finish on Thursday's stage.
DeleteThis Vuelta is setting up to become the best Grand Tour of the year.
Lovely photos, Jonathan. My trip to Italy this summer made me realize how beautiful the whole region is, and now I can't wait to visit Spain, - this place is one I'd love to see.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how our wives love these moments when we do foolish things, isn't it. :)
Ronda is definitely a place to visit. Spain, in general, is a terrific country in which to explore. On our next Spain trip, I hope to travel into the Basgue region.
DeleteIf we cannot provide occasional comic relief for our spouses, we are not doing our job!
A spectacular stop, Jonathan! I would love to make the visit to Spain one day. Ties right into your Reconquista project too. And ancient Iberians. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat had to be horrible, waiting for all those tiny spines to come out of your hands and tongue.
...and Peninsular War project.
DeleteYeah, the after-effects of tackling the cactus was awful but the slivers worked their way out quickly.
A splendid place and a fantastic bridge! Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Phil!
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