The first option to appreciate the Puente Nuevo de Ronda in its full splendour is to look out from the viewpoints of Plaza de España or Calle de Ernest Hemingway, in the new part of the city, just by the entry to the bridge. You have to defy the feeling of vertigo caused by the Tajo de Ronda ravine, the drop of almost one hundred metres until the bed of the Guadalevín.

After this you can cross the bridge, at the same time visiting the interpretation centre which explains its history and vicissitudes. No one can resist the temptation to stop midway and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside Ronda. 

Next, we go to the old part. From here, always following the Tagus river, we can go down along a path to the gates of the Albacara wall, of Arab origin. This complex was used to protect the mils and cattle found in the ravine.

The second bridge over the Tagus 

On that bridge, you have to turn round and admire the Puente Nuevo bridge in all its glory. There was a first construction, which ended in 1735, and collapsed six years later, causing the death of over 50 people. The works on the new bridge began in 1751 and lasted until 1793. The architect José Martín de Aldehuela was in charge of completing the work.

This architect made sure that the Puente Nuevo bridge, at a height of 98 metres, withstood the passing of time. The construction was based on ashlars made with stone taken from the bottom of the Tagus gorge. This gave it its colour which blends with that of the ravine walls. The main work that had to be done was to calculate the measurement of the arches forming its silhouette, since they had to bear a huge weight.

Even today, the image offered by the bridge is a mixture of solidity and flexibility, thanks to the open space of its arches. An interesting detail is that many people think that this is the only bridge in Ronda, but that's not true; the old Arab bridge is still functional, although much less important.

The Real Maestranza, passion for horses 

Beside the Puente Nuevo bridge, the city's great attraction is its bullring, the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda. Opened in 1785, its is admired for its stands with columns. Inside it contains the Bullfighting Museum and the headquarters of the riding school of this institution, the first in our country, and meriting the race of Spanish thoroughbred horses.The Real Maestranza was created in 1573, when Felipe II ordered the local nobility to keep their horses in good shape in case they were needed for military purposes. 

Another place of interest is the Museo del Bandolero (Bandit Museum), devoted to these almost legendary figures of Spanish history. Ronda is also one of the gastronomic capitals of Andalusia. Here you can try excellent products, such as Iberian cold meats, cheeses, oil or wild asparagus. To taste them, the restaurant Tragabuches (Awarded 1 Sol Repsol) (tel.: 952 190 291) offers a blend of Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine. El Mesón del Escudero (tel.: 952 871 367) occupies the colonial mansion with views over the Tajo de Ronda. Its specialities include ox tail in red wine.