Ronda

We set off early this morning to drive up to the spectacular hill town of Ronda. Perched on an inland plateau, it owes its name (‘surrounded’ by mountains), to the encircling Serranía de Ronda.

The town is famous for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. The 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, has unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.

Established in the 9th century BC, Ronda is also one of Spain’s oldest towns. Its existing old town, La Ciudad (the City), largely dates back to Islamic times, when it was an important cultural centre filled with mosques and palaces. Its wealth as a trading depot made it an attractive prospect for bandits and profiteers and the town has a colourful and romantic past in Spanish folklore.

Ronda was a favourite with the Romantics of the late 19th century, and has attracted an array of international artists and writers, such as Alexandre Dumas, Rainer Maria Rilke, Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles.

Although it was a stunning day, the temperature in Ronda was down to about 3 degrees and with the wind chill factor, it was absolutely freezing. We must have walked miles today, but it was worth it.

After our walking we needed a coffee to get some feeling back in our hands and then we went to the excellent Tragatapas for some fabulous tapas. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

My blip choice has been difficult today, but I eventually decided on this panorama view of the Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge and gorge. I have posted more images on Blipfolio.