A Day Trip to Ronda

One of the aspects I have come to value the most during my summer study abroad program in Granada, Spain, has been the weekend day trips that students are encouraged to partake in. Although most of the trips are optional, to anyone studying abroad or planning to in the future, I would highly recommend taking advantage of every single opportunity to travel and experience the diverse landscapes and cultures that can be found in different places. These types of experiences have truly opened my eyes to how diverse the world is and how much there is to learn and explore. As an artist, they have also broadened my insight and understanding relating to how we emotionally connect to our surroundings. In my specific program, I have visited Nerja, Frigiliana, Córdoba, and just this past weekend, Ronda.

Ronda is a city located in southern Spain that is situated on top of a steep cliff that overlooks a gorge over a hundred meters below. In the past, Ronda was occupied by the Romans, followed by the Visigoths, Muslims, and then the Christians, who conquered the land in 1485. The city is well-known for its medieval history, in which it experienced a large amount of technical and structural development. Many of its medieval structures still remain intact today, keeping this history alive and ultimately contributing to an important part of the experience for visitors. When my study abroad group first arrived in Ronda, we followed a very scenic path along the city’s medieval wall to reach the top of the cliff. As I learned, this wall was one of the few still left in Spain from medieval times that is so nicely preserved. 

Geographically, Ronda can be divided into two different sections: the medieval side and the more modern part of the city. A beautiful bridge, called Puente Nuevo (“New Bridge”) connects the two sides, and I got to enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below as I crossed over the bridge. After exploring each side of the city, later I participated in a group hike around the base of the cliff and had the opportunity to see this bridge from a completely new perspective. What I saw inspired me to take out my sketchbook and record this breathtaking view I encountered. I still remember the overwhelming rush of emotions that I experienced as soon as I came across this particular spot. The steep cliff, waterfall, and the view of the bridge made me feel as though I had instantly stepped inside of a storybook, into a world full of magic and wonder. Views such as these hold a lot of power, and with my artistic background, I am positive that my experience in Ronda (as well as the other cities I visited) will help me create my own drawings that evoke similar emotions. 

My time in Spain has certainly been flying by quicker than I imagined, but for the final week of my program, I am looking forward to spending six days in Morocco and the sights that I know are waiting for me there!