Ronda, Spain: A Cliffside Dream, a City for Eloping

When I look at photos of Ronda, memories of past travels come flooding back. Ronda is a small city located in the heart of the province of Málaga in the Andalusia region of Spain. It is like a hidden gem, exuding a unique and charming allure. It is one of Spain's two famous cliffside towns, covering an area of over 480 square kilometers, yet home to only about 40,000 residents, making it a tranquil and leisurely place. Ronda was born during the Roman Empire and has retained its rich historical heritage through the centuries. It is the birthplace of the standing bullfighting culture, and the ancient bullring in the city bears witness to the glory and honor of Spanish bullfighting culture. Ronda is built on a mountain, with residents living on the edge of cliffs. From a distance, the entire ancient city looks like a magnificent and magical "sky city." Rows of closely packed houses stand on steep cliffs, and the ochre-colored buildings, bathed in sunlight, resemble a layer of perpetual snow on the cliff tops, creating an unparalleled visual spectacle. Ronda's fame is closely tied to Ernest Hemingway's "endorsement." He lived here for a long time, and the passionate and romantic atmosphere of Ronda provided him with endless inspiration, allowing him to complete two immortal masterpieces, "The Sun Also Rises" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." In "Death in the Afternoon," Hemingway lavishly praised Ronda, calling it the "city for eloping," adding a touch of romance to this small town. Tracing Ronda's history, over 3,000 years ago, the first travelers climbed its cliffs, attracted by its rugged terrain, abundant rivers, and rich resources. They settled here and built the first house. Since then, white buildings have taken root and spread across the cliffs, gradually covering the entire hillside, forming the dreamlike town we see today. Throughout history, Ronda has experienced ups and downs. During the Roman era, it was known as Arunda. Under Arab rule, it reached its peak, becoming the most important military, political, and cultural center in Andalusia until it was conquered by Christian kings in 1485. During the difficult years of the Francoist siege, Ronda's armed fighters retreated to the mountains to continue their resistance, and their stories became the material for 19th-century Spanish bandit legends. Today, Ronda's old town still exudes an Arab cultural atmosphere. The central Plaza Mayor, built in 1734, is home to the Santa María la Mayor Church, a masterpiece of architectural art that combines Gothic, Arab, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The modern commercial district is located north of the Tajo Gorge, with well-planned streets and numerous important historical sites, such as the bullring, the Dolores Chapel, and the Arab Baths. The Puente Nuevo, spanning the gorge, is Ronda's iconic structure and a vital link between the old and new towns. The new bridge was rebuilt between 1751 and 1793, taking over 40 years to complete. It spans a 98-meter-deep gorge, with the rushing Guadalevín River below, where nature and culture blend perfectly. As the birthplace of standing bullfighting, the Ronda Bullring was completed in 1785. This ancient stone structure has witnessed countless thrilling bullfights. Today, the bullring houses a bullfighting museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its past and present. Ronda, with its unique geographical features and rich historical and cultural heritage, is known by many beautiful names, such as "the city built in the clouds," "the white town on the cliff," and "the best place in the world for eloping." It attracts countless visitors who come to explore its romance and legends.