We visited Ronda firstly to see Plaza de Toros, where the art of bull fighting on foot was created and secondly, to take in the views of the El Tajo river gorge and the bridge that crosses it.

The 1.5 hour trip was worth it. It amazes me that you can travel through such empty country side and then find a small Spanish village on the side of a hill and a few larger ones such as Gaucin and Algatocin.

There must have been about half a dozen small villages on the way to Ronda which has a population of about 35,000 people. Ronda is an important city in the history of Spain with its origin’s dating back to the 6^thcentury BC when it was settled by the early Celts. I won’t give you a history lesson as I just want to show off the photos of the truly remarkable views.

  

Plaza de Toros, the Bullring below is recognised as the first purpose-built space for fighting bulls in the world. The first fight took place in 1785. At the Plaza de Toros there is also a Bullfighting Museum and an antique fire-arms collection containing 290 pieces.

(Visited 29 February 2012)