Leaving the Rock of Gibraltar behind, we set out with the Mediterranean on our right hand side. The open road ahead of us feeling like an invitation to discover the heart and soul of Andalusia. After finding our way out of Gibraltar and across the border into Spain we were greeted with a majestic final view of The Rock and equally majestic expansive views of the Mediterranean.
Eventually we turned inland away from the sea and into the mountains. We passed white-washed villages perched on hillsides like clusters of sugar cubes. As we continued deeper into the mountains the road began to climb, offering panoramic views of the Spanish countryside. The rugged mountains accompanied us for the rest of this journey, and every twist and turn revealed a new postcard-perfect vista.
A final turn in the road and our destination, the historic town of Ronda unfolded dramatically before us. It is perched precariously on the edge of the El Tajo Gorge. Ronda, unexpectedly occupies both sides of this monstrous gorge. The two halves of the city are connected with the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), built in 1759-1796, so not that new. This bridge was an enormous engineering feat in its day, and still today is a structural wonder defying both time and gravity.
Our hotel, the Parador de Ronda, looks out over the gorge and countryside with breathtaking views.
Sandy and I visited the Plaza de Toros, Ronda’s Bullring. There were no bullfights today (we’re here in the wrong season for that). But, we did see this magnificent structure where the most important bullfights in Spain are performed. The center of this bullring, that one spot, is the epicenter of Andalusian spirit and culture and to not visit it would be not visiting the heart of Spain.
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