The Mondragón Palace in Ronda is one of the towns most visited buildings, not only because it houses the Municipal Museum, but also for it’s Moorish courtyards, gardens and stunning views of the Sierra de Grazalema. the building evokes memories of kings, queens and governors who ruled and called Ronda their home.
Some History.
The palace was the home of the Moorish King Abomelic I (also known as Abomelic Abd al-Malik, and in some history books as Abbel Mallek), who reigned all too briefly yet who initiated a golden age in the city and implemented some large construction projects. It is likely the palace already existed when Abomelic first arrived in Andalusia, with most experts seeming to agree the years 1306-1314 as likely dates of construction.
The museums of Ronda are a delightful way to spend a few hours for both holiday makers and residents alike. Children will love the Lara Museum, while adults may prefer the museum of wine. Art aficionados will positively love the collection of Joaquin Peinado.
Ronda Municipal Museum.
Located in the historic Mondragon Palace (Palacio de Mondragon), the Municipal Museum of Ronda details Rondas history from the stone age to the present time with some very well made exhibits such as the Pileta Cave reconstruction, the stone age hut, iron age technology including sword making, the Roman period with an important exhibit on Acinipo, Moorish Ronda including a detailed exhibit of Arab funeral rites, and a very interesting display on life in Ronda’s heyday, the 17th and 18th centuries.
The weather in Ronda is fairly typical of Southern Spain, however being surrounded by mountains gives Ronda some unique weather patterns making our summers and winters a bit different from the Costa del Sol.
First of all, we are situated several hundred metres higher than the coast, and on top of a plateau surrounded by lower valleys and higher mountains, often meaning the weather in Ronda can be markedly different from even some of the nearer villages such as Montecorto or Grazalema.
There are quite a lot of “things” to do in Ronda… Just walking the streets, sightseeing the top 10 monuments and eating the best tapas will fill your day (and your tummy.) But, if you have a bit of extra time, why not try one (or all) of these 5 amazing things to do in Ronda :)
Horseriding in the fabulous Ronda countryside.
Caballos y Vino is owned and run by Sandra Jochim, an experienced horsewoman who has excellent, first-hand knowledge of the local area, too. She also speaks four languages – German, English, Spanish & Horse!
At Caballos y Vino, you enjoy a ride on safe, reliable horses and discover the beautiful countryside around Ronda. Small groups of 2-4 persons guarantee a convivial atmosphere. Bookings can be made at short notice.
If you want to really relax and unwind, not far from the museum and ruins of the Arab baths you will find Aguas de Ronda… A fantastic little spa and wellness with saltwater pools, sauna, hot and cold baths plus massages to balance your body and your mind…
Visit the “Casa de Jamon” and see the museum and experts slicing the Iberian ham.
This shop is filled to the brim with a superb display of jamon Iberico- wine -cheese and oil (Iberian hams, Iberian chunks … Etc.) There is also a cafeteria-bar where all the products on display can be sampled either sitting at the bar or at the tables amongst what can only be described a “museum of Spanish nostagia”.
Discover Ronda and the surrounding white villages by taxi!
It is not as expensive as you may think as a full white village tour is around 120 euros for 4 people visiting the most emblematic villages of the area… You can visit the Roman ruins of Acinipo, The Pileta cave, the gorge of Ronda and many other places in the comfort of your own chauffer driven taxi…
The wine interpretation centre is the place to head for if you are a wine lover. The centre is packed with eveything you need to learn about (and taste) the fantastic wines of the Ronda region.
Education is a basic purpose of the wine interpretation centre so this is a place where you can ask questions and have a great time while you learn. This is also a place where you will encounter a multisensory experience. The museum is a gateway to the past with an amazing collection of antique objects related to wine and winemaking.
There are quite a lot of “things” to do in Ronda… Just walking the streets, sightseeing the top 10 monuments and eating the best tapas will fill your day (and your tummy.) But, if you have a bit of extra time, why not try one (or all) of these 5 amazing things to do in Ronda :)
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Quick directions to the bullring (plaza de toros) and other main monuments.
Bus station
Exit the bus station and follow Calle San Jose to it’s end, then turn left into Calle Doctor Fleming (maps show it as Calle Jerez), and keep going till you reach the Ronda bullring.
Train station
Exit the railway station and walk straight ahead crossing the road in front and walk along Avenida Martinez Astein until you reach Carerra Espinel (known locally as La Bola), then turn right and keep going down hill through this pedestrian shopping street till you reach the bullring.
