We are currently staying with Lindsay and Dave in their beautiful house out in the campo: that will be a separate post.
They have lent us a small car so that we can explore this part of Spain, and we are on a trip to Ronda
Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain, and sits atop a rocky promontory,
Further protected by stone walls
We are staying just outside the city gates,
in a small house across from a lively square. Or rather, the square comes to life in the late evening when the temperature calms down and people come out to eat, drink and talk. It’s noticeable that there is no music, just a low murmur of chit-chat. This is the Spain that I had heard about, and not at all like the larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona
The Arab baths are well worth a visit, only €2.50 at the reduced rate for us retirees. There is a very informative film showing, with CGI effects showing the baths as they would have appeared back in the 15th century and explaining how they worked and were used
The town comprises two parts, split by this very deep and narrow ravine
An impressive bridge links the two halves. This view is from a restaurant and bar built into the cliff edge, where we spend a very happy hour or so as the evening gradually turns into night-time
The next day we revisit the bridge. Within the central arch is an exhibition room, taking you through the construction of the bridge and the development of the town over the centuries.
From the edge of the precipice the views over the surrounding plains, to the mountains beyond, is quite breath-taking
A whole series of gardens and piazzas have been built along this area, with trees for shade and fountains for atmosphere
Duckingham palace, a most luxurious duck house by a charming pond, but with no residents to be seen
We find a bargain basement tapas bar
Both the beer and the food are very good. We are the first customers in the place, but people attract people and before long every table is occupied
The night-time streets are full of atmosphere. It’s a pleasure just to wander and explore
On day two we go to the Mondragon Palace, drawn by the promise of its picturesque gardens. The gardens are indeed very relaxing, again with wide ranging views, but all of the fountains are devoid of water. A shame as the sound of water would have transformed this into something close to paradise
The palace houses an extremely extensive archaeological museum. This covers about 5,000 years in a series of rooms, extensive information boards, and many recreated scenes
The limestone caves are particularly well done, and these feel like the real thing
After a little lunch in the square opposite our rented apartment it’s time to head back to Iznajar. By the slow scenic route. A lovely trip
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