If you’re visiting Ronda, take a look at the Plaza de Toros!
You can learn more about bullfighting, the ancient Spanish tradition of a fight between a man, called a torero or toreador, and a bull.
Even if we don’t subscribe to this practice, we feel it’s important to understand its cultural importance, especially in Andalucia where it’s deeply rooted.
The tour includes a visit to the bullring and a museum to understand the evolution of this controversial practice.
In this article, you’ll find a selection of useful tips to help you prepare for your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Plaza de Toros?
Is the Plaza de Toros worth it? Our opinion:
The Plaza de Toros is well worth a visit, as it houses Spain’s oldest bullring!
The arena is also unique in its circular structure, size and elegant arches, making it an architectural masterpiece.
Last but not least, the bullring houses a museum dedicated to the history of bullfighting, featuring costumes, posters and historical objects, providing an insight into the total art represented by this typical Spanish practice.
Why is the Plaza de Toros so famous?
Built in 1785, the Ronda bullring is famous for being the oldest in Spain. They have played a central role in the evolution of modern bullfighting, thanks to legendary figures such as Pedro Romero. Finally, the Plaza de Toros is also famous for hosting the Corrida Goyesca. Invented by the famous bullfighter Antonio Ordóñez in the 1950s, this annual bullfight is held in costumes inspired by the painter Francisco de Goya, and still attracts many enthusiasts today.
Our favorite moment
The visit was quite short, but we liked the unique atmosphere of the place. As you step onto the arena floor, the history of the fights, as fascinating as it is cruel, still seems to permeate the premises. The play of light in the bleachers adds striking contrasts. Finally, don’t forget to look up during your visit, as many details are hidden in the walls, such as this bull’s head carved above a porch.
WHERE TO STAY IN Ronda
Option 1: In the historic or modern city center
We recommend exploring the attractions on foot:
- Hotel Casa Palacio Villa Zambra – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Palacio de Hemingway – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: In the surrounding countryside
If you prefer nature and peace and quiet, we recommend it:
- Hotel Cortijo La Organic – See photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Ronda
History in brief
Here’s what we’ve learned about the history of the Plaza de Toros:
- 1573: Foundation of the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda by Philip II
- 1785: Construction of the bullring by architect José Martin de Aldehuela and first bullfight, between Pedro Romero and Pepe Illo
- 1939: Used as a concentration camp during the Spanish Civil War
- 1954: First Corrida Goyesque to commemorate the birth of Pedro Romero
Access: Plaza de Toros, Ronda
Where is the Plaza de Toros?
The Plaza de Toros is located in downtown Ronda, on the Paseo de Blas Infante. It’s just a 3-minute walk from the famous Ronda bridge (Puente Nuevo) and El Tajo canyon.
How to get there?
The Plaza de Toros is located in the new town of Ronda. It’s within easy walking distance of any point in the city center. We advise you to get there on foot, as the streets of Ronda are difficult to navigate.
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Parking
Several parking lots are available close to the bullring, including the APK2 Plaza del Socorro, a 2-minute walk from the site.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
Like many of Ronda’s tourist attractions, we advise you to come at the opening to enjoy the peace and quiet. The early hours of the day will allow you to fully appreciate the architecture of the site and take some great photos without the crowds.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 30 minutes for a tour of the bullring, and 1 hour if you wish to visit the museum.
We found that there is no obvious PRM access. The arena is accessible on one level, but you’ll have to climb a few steps to get to the stands, and down a few to get to the museum.
Finally, note that bullfighting is a violent practice, so you’re likely to find some sensitive content in the museum’s collections.
Advice on how to visit
To make the most of your visit, we recommend you start by exploring the bullfighting museum, to learn more about the history of bullfighting. Then continue with a visit to the bullring. Finally, end your visit at the stables of the cavalry school, which may be in full rehearsal on the day you visit. You can then take a tour of the museum store, which houses a wide range of books and related products.
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Visiting with children
We haven’t spotted any courses suitable for children, but if you’re lucky you might come along on the day of the Maestranza riding school’s training session. The main stables are located right next to the arena, and at certain times visitors can watch the apprentice riders at work every day!
Schedules and rates
The Plaza de Toros is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until 8 p.m. during the high season (April to September). Prices: €9 (adults), €5 (under 16s).
Guided tours
An audioguide is available for an additional €1.50, allowing independent exploration of the Plaza de Toros.
Catering
An on-site cafeteria serves snacks and drinks.
If you fancy a bite to eat, we recommend Restaurant Tragata, one of the city’s best addresses, just a 2-minute walk away.
Find out more in our article on where to eat in Ronda.
What you can do
Admire the Monumento al Toro outdoors
Before entering the bullring, we discovered the impressive sculpture of a bull. This muscular, lively bronze mass contrasts with the whitewashed walls of the enclosure and invites us to consider the nobility of the animal, whose bravery commands the admiration of the bullfighters, their adversaries.
In front of the main entrance, don’t miss the original gate, its wrought-iron portal and two statues representing Ronda’s two emblematic bullfighters.
To the left of the portal, the figure of Antonio Ordóñez, depicted with his bullfighter’s cape, and to the right, that of Pedro Romero, founder of modern bullfighting.
Enter the majestic arena
As soon as we entered the arena, we were impressed by its architectural perfection. Its perfectly round shape, rare for arenas, gives it exceptional acoustics. The two tiers of tiers supported by 136 Tuscan columns forming 68 arches create a striking visual effect. This elegant structure can also be seen in the Royal Lodge, with its sloping roof covered in Arabic tiles and fluted columns decorated with floral motifs.
Find out more about bullfighting at the museum
The Real Maestranza de Caballería museum is divided into different sections. In particular, you’ll find a room with objects relating to chivalry and nobility, on the origins and evolution of the institution and its place in local society.
You’ll also find a room dedicated to bullfighting, with a collection of various objects (posters, traditional costumes, historical photographs) enabling you to understand the golden age of bullfighting in Spain (1726-1850), the Romero and Ordóñez dynasties who contributed to its influence, as well as more current topics such as the arguments of anti-bullfighting thinking or the role of women in bullfighting.
Finally, you’ll also find a section dedicated to dressage and equitation, featuring carriages, antique harnesses from different eras, some of which are considered veritable pieces of goldsmithery, and saddles. We particularly liked this room, demonstrating this practice’s attention to detail!
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Frequently asked questions
What events are held in the Ronda bullring?
In addition to bullfighting, the Ronda bullring also hosts a number of cultural events, including prestigious driving competitions, contemporary music concerts and philosophical meetings. These events reinforce the Real Maestranza’s role in preserving and promoting local culture.
Find out all about the program on the official website here.
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