Ronda

The city of Ronda was captured by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, as part of the Reconquista. Ronda, located in the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia, was a strategic location due to its natural fortress-like setting. The capture represented a significant advance in the Campaign of Granada, which eventually led to the fall of the Emirate of Granada, the last Muslim kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula, effectively ending Muslim rule in Spain.

The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda, established in 1572, is one of Spain's oldest and most prestigious equestrian societies. However, it gained prominence in 1918 with the restructuring and development of the Ronda bullfighting ring, Plaza de Toros de Ronda, which became an iconic location for traditional bullfighting events in Spain. The institution played an essential role in preserving the history and culture associated with equestrian sports and bullfighting, integral to Spanish culture and identity.

On May 21, 1965, the Spanish government declared Ronda a City of Historical and Artistic Importance. This recognition was due to the city's rich cultural heritage, including its Islamic and Christian architectural landmarks, as well as the dramatic Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge. The designation aimed to protect and promote Ronda's historical sites, attracting cultural tourism and scholarly interest in its unique blend of cultural influences and significant historical events that shaped modern Spain.

The Bandolero Museum in Ronda was opened on April 17, 1994, becoming the first museum dedicated to the history of bandits in Spain. Banditry has a romanticized history in Andalusia, especially in the 19th century, when social upheaval led to the emergence of bandoleros, often seen as folk heroes. The museum aims to highlight this unique aspect of cultural history, with archives, artifacts, and narratives about the bandits and their roles in the socio-economic landscape of rural Andalusia.

September 1, 2000, marked the inauguration of Ronda's new Cultural and Conference Center, a significant development for the city aimed at boosting its cultural and economic status. The center, designed to host conferences, concerts, and exhibitions, became a focal point for artistic and cultural exchange. It serves as a conduit for international cultural exchange and has attracted numerous visitors to the city, eager to experience its rich history and contemporary cultural expressions.

On March 14, 2020, Ronda, like the rest of Spain, went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked a significant event as the city, reliant on tourism, faced economic challenges with the abrupt halt in travel and local businesses struggling to adapt to new public health measures. The lockdown affected all facets of life in Ronda, from the closure of cultural sites and hospitality venues to the shift towards virtual experiences and a heightened focus on preserving public health safety.

The Puente Nuevo, Ronda's most famous bridge, undergone a major renovation completed on July 8, 2023. This renovation was essential to preserve the structural integrity and historical value of the bridge, which spans the El Tajo gorge. The restoration project was carefully managed to maintain the bridge's original architectural aesthetics while ensuring it met modern safety standards. This effort was part of the broader initiative to preserve Ronda's rich architectural heritage.