Ronda Parador

. . . rests on one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Spain. The vast olive orchards and rolling hills of Andalucia stretch out below – as far as the eye can see. The Parador hotel sits right on the very edge of the awe-inspiring “El Tajo” gorge, and there is a sheer drop of nearly 400 feet to the river below!  Its incredible location is enough to draw visitors from around the world, but there is much more here that will fascinate even the most worldly and savvy of travelers.

The Moorish roots of Ronda are immediately obvious – in the architecture, and even the general feeling of the old quarter across the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) from the Parador Ronda. There is actually a small museum located down inside the bridge itself. There are three bridges in this ancient city, and each has been historically important and still remain as monumental reminders of those ancient times.

The three bridges are; the aforementioned Puente Nuevo – the “New Bridge” (which was actually built over 260 years ago!), the Puente Viejo – the “Old Bridge” (the main gorge crossing before the completion of the Puente Nuevo), and the Puente Arabe – “Arabic Bridge.” All served as defense points during historical attacks and siege and, of course, as connection points for this isolated “Eagle’s Nest” to the outside world.

As a note of historical interest: The man who designed Ronda’s bullring, the “Plaza de Toros,” (Jose Martin de Aldehuela) also designed the Puente Nuevo – both constructed in the 18th century.

The Moors left more their legacy in the 13th century Baños Arabes far below the city proper. These “Arabic Baths” are extensive and still much intact even after so many centuries.

For more on the interesting history of the area, the Ronda Parador and city information at the links below will be of interest . . .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronda

http://spainparador.com/Parador-Ronda.htm

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ronda

 

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