Ronda

Last week Friday the school took a trip through the winding mountainous roads to the city of Ronda, found in the province of Malaga. Unfortunately, once because of the large amount of rain once again, we were unable to stop by the Roman ruins of Acinipo because the road had been washed out. But that meant that more time could be spent exploring Ronda.

The first stop in Ronda was the plaza de toros, which in fact is the oldest operating bull fighting ring in Spain. Ronda is also know for its horsemanship so students got to view a training session in la Escuela de Equitación next to the ring.

Random Fact: Madonna shot her music video for the song "Take a Bow" in this ring.

Profesora Cecilia came along as a tour guide on this excursion. She knows Ronda well because her husband Enrique was born there. Her mother-in-law or "suegra" met up with us to help show us around.

One of the most impressive structures in the city is the Puente Nuevo or the "New Bridge" built in 1751. The bridge took 42 years to build. The chamber underneath has been used for a variety of things, including a prison.

After crossing the bridge to explore the old part of the city, we found ourselves with beautiful views on all sides with many different lookout points available.

The last part of the day we entered into the old water mine below La Casa del Rey Morro. It was built to be an easy access to the Guadalevin River if the city was under siege. It actually ended up being the downfall of the Moors when that Catholic Monarchs captured the mine and were able to cut off the city's water supply.

The view from the bottom, about 300 ft. down. It feels like being in a different world.

The trip to Ronda from Sevilla is definitely worth the 2 1/2 hour bus ride. It is really a city like no other and is often found to be the favorite excursion of many students.