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Monument · Ronda, Andaluzia
Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda
Stone bullring inaugurated in 1785, one of the oldest in Spain, with a 66-meter arena, galleries of Tuscan arches and museums of the Real Maestranza on horsemanship and bullfighting.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda
The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda was founded during the reign of Felipe II, in 1572 or 1573, to maintain the training of cavalrymen. Among the exercises were dexterity games with bulls. In the 18th century, with the professionalization of on-foot bullfighting, the corporation decided to erect its own bullring.
The project is attributed to José Martín de Aldehuela, the same architect as the Puente Nuevo. The bullring was inaugurated in May 1785, with Pedro Romero, from Ronda, and Pepe Hillo, from Seville, the two most famous bullfighters of the time. Pedro Romero (1754–1839) was part of the family that, for three generations, shaped the Ronda bullfighting tradition.
The arena measures 66 meters in diameter, surrounded by a corridor between two rings of stone. The stands, on two levels, are entirely covered by Arabic tiles and supported by 136 Tuscan columns forming 68 arches. The effect is more like a cloister than an arena. The main gate, with the royal coat of arms, was completed in 1788.
The visit includes the arena, the corrals and the facilities of the Real Maestranza: the bullfighting collection, with bullfighters' costumes and Goya prints; the room on the institution's history; the collection of harnesses from the House of Orleans; and the equestrian gallery next to the stables of the riding school. Since 1954, at the end of the European summer the bullring hosts the Corridas Goyescas, created by Antonio Ordóñez.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes for the arena and the museums.
Best time
In the first hour of opening or near closing time, outside the peak of excursion visits. From June to August the open arena becomes very hot at midday. On event days, the visit may be altered: confirm before you go.
How to get there
It is located in the Mercadillo neighborhood, about 300 meters from the Puente Nuevo, on Calle Virgen de la Paz. From the train station it is about a 15-minute walk.
Tip
Buy tickets on the official website or at the box office. The visit is self-guided, with an audio guide. On leaving, head to the Alameda del Tajo, which is behind the bullring. Those who do not want to watch bullfights can visit the bullring without issue: outside festival days it operates as a museum.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda
When was Ronda's bullring inaugurated?
In May 1785, with Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo. The main façade was only completed in 1788.
What can you see when visiting the bullring?
The 66‑metre arena, the stands with 136 columns and 68 arches, the corrals and the museums of the Real Maestranza, including the bullfighting collection, the tack collection of the House of Orleans and the equestrian gallery.
What are the Corridas Goyescas?
They are bullfights in which participants wear costumes inspired by Goya's paintings. They have been held in Ronda since 1954, at the end of the summer, initiated by Ronda bullfighter Antonio Ordóñez.
Do you need to reserve the visit?
Generally no, but in high season there can be queues. Buying tickets in advance on the official website avoids waiting. Check opening hours before you go, as events may change access times.