Monday, March 28, 2016

Ronda: The not so "pueblo" Pueblo Blanco

The Pueblos Blancos (white villages) of Spain's southern region Andalusia are celebrated for their indescribable beauty.  One of the most famous Ronda has a long and intriguing history.  Originally founded by the Celts in the 6th Century BC, the city changed hands multiple times before being conquered during the Christian Reconquista of the peninsula in 1485.

The name "pueblo" usually brings to mind images of quaint country-side villages and hidden-away treasures.  Ronda, however, doesn't seem to have a very "pueblo" feel to it.  It is a huge tourist attraction, and in reality isn't that small (with a population over 35,000).  Despite all this, the warm Andalusian sun and the spectacular landscape still overwhelm the visitor with a feeling of tranquility.




If you're looking for a warm getaway still sprinkled with typical Spanish culture and flair, this city may just be for you!  While it is possible to find the stereotypical attractions one expects when traveling to the south of Spain (Flamenco dancing, warm weather, and gazpacho, to name a few) Ronda still offers various cultural and historical elements which will educate as well entertain the enthusiastic visitor.

The main sight in Ronda is hard to miss, as you will need to cross it to enter the old zone of the city.  The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is a massive stone construction standing 390 feet above the floor of the canyon it crosses.  The name is somewhat misleading, because even though it is the newest of the three bridges found in the city, it's not that new by modern standards, being completed in 1793.



If you're feeling adventurous, and want to get some amazing views of the Puente Nuevo (see above) there is a little trail (easy to find) which will lead you down into the gorge.  Being that it gets hot pretty quickly in Ronda, it's a good idea to plan this outing for the morning, as the hot afternoon sun will not make it any easier.  

Want to experience some traditional Spanish culture?  Well, Ronda is a great place to see a bullring up close and personal.  The oldest bullring in Spain, completed in 1784 is another famous landmark of the city.  







Another famous destination in Ronda is the Arabic Baths.  They date back to the 13th Century.  They are located a little outside of the center, so be prepared to walk for a little (about 10-15 minutes) and up and down a few hills along the way! 





If you wish to continue your journey into the rich Arabic historical influences in the city, the "Palacio del Rey Moro" (Palace of the Morrish King) is another historical landmark.  Within the Palacio, you will find the Secret Mine.  Legend has it that Muslim King Abomelic built this structure back in the 14th Century.  It's rumored that the mine contains hidden houses, palaces, bathing chambers, among other things.  




From the entrance to the Palacio del Rey Moro, you can get some amazing views of another famous Ronda sight, the Hanging Gardens.  This national monument was designed and installed in 1912, and during the peak growing seasons is absolutely stunning.  Unfortunately, we made our trip to Ronda during the end of the blooming period, so we weren't able to enjoy the gardens in all of their glory.  The views, however, are still spectacular.  





Like the lovely Spanish city that it is, Ronda has some great food and a very unique tapa culture.  If you're looking for somewhere to relax and have a bite to eat after a busy day of sight-seeing or a relaxing afternoon of strolling through the winding, hilly streets, the Plaza del Socorro is a great place to start.  Order a plate of "tapas mixtas" or try a combination of hot and cold tapas (usually sold in a bundled package- 2 each for 6 euros for example) and enjoy sitting at one of the many outdoor terraces, taking in the view and Spanish sun.  



Ronda is a perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the relaxing Spanish culture, breath-taking landscape, and delicious gastronomy!  While it is often crowded with tourists, the city itself still has its own unique charm and personality.  With various monuments and landmarks that highlight the different historical and cultural elements that have gone into the formation of the city, the visitor can experience not only the ancient past with the Moorish influences but also the more recent and stereotypically traditional side of Spain.  A trip to this not so "pueblo" Pueblo Blanco can be both relaxing and exciting, educational and delicious, and will not disappoint any visitor eager to see this romantic and overwhelmingly beautiful side of the country.  

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