In the 18th century the horsemen´s games were replaced by the unmounted bullfighter and the Romero family emerged in Ronda, providing over three generations of the most outstanding bullfighters. The most important of them was Pedro Romero (1754-1839), a key figure in the history of bullfighting. He retired after slaying more than 5,600 bulls without ever being hurt.
As a result in the popularity of the sport in Ronda, the famous bullring was constructed. The arena has a diameter of 66 metres, surrounded by a passage formed by two rings of stone. There are two layers of seating, each with five raised rows and 136 pillars that make up 68 arches. The Royal Box has a sloping roof covered in Arabic tiles.
In the 20th century, Ronda produced a second dynasty of bullfighters. The Ordoñez family whose approach to bullfighting drew the attention of Ernest Hemingway, who dedicated to them, his works Fiesta and Death in the afternoon.
The bullring in Ronda is open to the public, with a small admission charge. The bullring also houses an interesting museum dedicated to the sport. |
