Ronda is located in Andalusia, Province of Malaga, Spain. It is situated in a mountainous area about 750 m (2,460 ft) above mean sea level. The Guadalevin River runs through the city, dividing it in two and carving out the steep, 100 meter deep El Tajo Canyon upon which the city perches. Ronda was founded by the Celts in the 6th century BC. and later used as a fortified fortress by the Romans during the reign of Julius Caesar. The city was part of the Visigoth reign until 713, when it fell to the Arabs, who named it Izn-Rand Onda (city of the castle) and made it the capital of the Takurunna province. In the 15th century Ronda fell to Spain. The Punta Romano (also known as the Puente San Miguel) is the oldest of three bridges that span the canyon.
It is set in and around a deep gorge spanned by an impressive bridge, which brings in many day-trippers from the Costa del Sol and other places to admire the view. However, Ronda is also a remarkably pretty town with beautiful architecture from the islamic period up to the 19th century, romantic winding streets with white-washed houses, some interesting museums, and lots of good places to eat and drink. It is also a good base to explore the surrounding area, where you will find beautiful mountains and many of the iconic pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalusia.
