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Ronda is also a good base to explore
the major cities of Andalucia; Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Jerez,
all with their own special ambience and history, all within reach
for day long excursions. The white villages of the Serrania De Ronda
offer an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the cities, where
evenings and afternoons can be spent sitting in shady squares. The
town is set high in the mountains directly inland from San Pedro De
Alcantara on the Costa Del Sol and manages to retain much of the
charm from its rich and colourful past.
Because of its location, it was one of
the last strongholds of the Moors, falling to the forces of Castille
in 1485 just seven years before the final defeat at Granada. There
are many examples of this legacy throughout the town, with Arab
baths and labyrinthine passageways to the bottom of the famous gorge
well worth a visit. Before this the town was a stronghold of the
Romans who had a large settlement at Acinipo, now known as Ronda La
Vieja, just 12 kilometres north west of the town. There are the
remains of an ancient amphitheatre here set on a high plateau with
spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
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In Granada, below the Sierra Nevada
mountain range can be seen one of the wonders of Moorish Spain, the
fortified palace of the Nasrid Kings, the Alhambra, which takes its
name from the orange tints of its walls and offers a breathtaking
insight into skills and craftsmanship of the Moorish civilisation.
Seville, the bustling capital of
Andalucia is a short car journey away and has the largest gothic
cathedral in the world which incorporates, the symbol of the city,
the Giralda tower. Close by, surrounded by the intimate cloisters is
the Alcazar Palace. At Cordoba, on the banks of the Guadalquivir it
is possible to embrace the remnants of three distinct empires; a
Roman bridge, an arch of triumph built for Philip II and the Great
Mosque, La Mezquita, over a thousand years old.
Also within easy reach is the ancient
sea port of Cadiz which claims to be the oldest city in western
Europe. The sherry region of Jerez is close by, a visit to the
vinyards and bodegas or to one of the famous riding schools is
within a short drive.
For those wishing to spend time at the beach the resorts of the
Costa Del Sol are just thirty miles away. Less developed beaches can
be found west of Gibraltar. However you may just wish to relax and
simply enjoy the peace of our country and village houses in what
promises to be yet another sun filled summer
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FERIAS
The feria of Ronda takes place from the first weekend of September
and lasts for one week culminating with a bullfight in the
historical Plaza de Toros where traditional costumes are worn from
the period of Goya. This is called The Goyesca and is attended by
people and celebrities from all over the world. The festivities last
throughout the week and go on until the late hours of the morning.
During late August a festival of traditional flamenco singing is
held.
The proceedings take place in the cool of the night and carry on
until dawn with well known acts attending from all over Spain. At
Easter nearly all towns hold a procession through the streets to
remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. This week is
called Semana Santa in Spain and is one of the most important dates
on the Christian calendar. The feria of Arriate takes place during
the last weekend of June and again bars are evident throughout the
village as well as a fun fair and music.
The festivities last throughout the night.The feriàs of Montejaque
take place in mid June and mid August. The ferias of Benaojan are
during the weekend at the end of April and the beginning of October.
Throughout the summer months there is usually a feria in one of the
local villages.They all have a few things in common in that they all
start at around ten in the evening and go on until dawn. Information
is provided in our guide at each property. |