Ronda

Ronda is a city belonging to the autonomous community ofAndalusia, situated in the northwestern province of Malaga.It is head of the judicial district and the namesake of the district capital ofthe Serrania de Ronda.

In 2008 it had 36,532 inhabitants, making it the second mostpopulous town in the interior of the province after Antequera. The townshiplies on a plateau known as the depression Ronda and the surrounding mountainranges. It has an area of 481 km² and a population density of 75.95 inhabitantsper km².

Ronda originated from the Roman Arunda and Iberiansettlements. The Visigoths gave continuity to the arrival of the Muslims, whoconsolidated their role as regional head and has not been lost so far and itsurban entity.

Its location provided the defense of the city and was placedin a strategic position to master the steps and paths down toward Andalusia. This and the availability of land suitable foragriculture finally granted it a significant historical importance.

The city is built around a deep pit at the looming buildingsof its historic center. For this reason, and because of the number of monumentsit has, Ronda has become a significant tourist center. The cornice of the pitand the bridge that saves it is the image par excellence of the city.

The city sits on a rocky plateau at 739 m above sea leveland is divided in two by a cannon known as the Tajo de Ronda, which runs theriver Guadalevin tributary of the river Guadiaro.

It also runs over the Valley of the Mills. East of the cityis the natural park of Sierra de las Nieves; south of the city, Genal Valley;west is Sierra Grazalema; and northern lands flat run in the direction ofCampillos.

Ronda communicates with neighboring counties through anetwork of roads of high landscape value, as they cross many mountain passes ofthe Highlands to offer passengers uniqueviews. Transport by rail is made quickly since the launch of the Talgo trainsthat connect with Ronda and Algeciras Madrid.

The current Ronda is devoted mainly to cultural and ruraltourism. They do take some part in the food and furniture industries, and thereis a large number of small shops and restaurants designed to satisfy thedemands of tourists who come each day on excursions from Costa del Sol.

Ronda has now become one of the most visited Andalusia, thanks to its great heritage. Another additiveof interest in recent years is the introduction of several wineries in Ronda.