Plaza de Toros de Ronda (Ronda Bullring), Ronda (must see)

The first bullfight in Spain was held in the bullring in Ronda in May 1784. The stands partially collapsed. The second effort took place a year later. The event proved to be one of the greatest bullfights in Ronda's history. The great matadors, Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo, faced off before the most noble families in Ronda.

The Ronda Bullring, constructed entirely of brick and stone, is about two blocks from the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo). It was designed by architect Martin de Aldehuela. All the seating is covered behind gallery arches. The seating capacity is only about 5,000, but the arena ring itself is the largest in the country.

The bullring is home to the Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino), dedicated to the spectacle of the fight. Shown inside are two centuries of bullfighting regalia and accouterments, torero outfits, swords, and lances. Even weapons used in war by the Royal Cavalry of Ronda (Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda) are included in the collections.

The museum is open year-round except during the Festival of Feria Goyesca de Pedro Romero in the first week of September. The Feria, properly called the Feria de Pedro Romero, connects three personalities: the 18th-century bullfighter Pedro Romero, painter Francisco Goya, and 20th-century bullfighter Antonio Ordonez.

In 1572 King Philip II created the Royal Cavalry (Real Maestranza de Caballeria) to promote military training, which included horsemanship and spearing bulls from horseback. The matador and founding father of a bullfighting dynasty Francisco Romero introduced the idea of fighting on foot.

Every year, in September, the Feria, organized by Antonio Ordonez, takes place. There are Flamenco festivals and processions of fans (aficionados) in 18th-century costumes. The celebration ends with a weekend of fighting in the arena. Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway attended the event, and Welles' ashes are scattered on the Ordonez estate.