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In the morning we left Sevilla and made our way to Ronda. We parked a little bit out of the way and had to walk to reach the centre. On our way we saw the obligatory place of mental illness and human perversion:

A few meters further we could enjoy this view:






The special thing about Ronda is the location on 2 plateaus and the Canyon which devides them.

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Puente Nueva connects both parts of the city and is the best-known attraction


On the bridge itīs crowded:

View from the bridge:

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Here an unprofessional video of the bridge:

nequine

Just catching up and great pics as always.

Puente Nueva is a very beautiful place - my family went there earlier this year and I enjoyed seeing their photographs.

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We went to Plaza de la Duquesa de Parcent which is the heart of the city. At the Plaza is the church Santa Maria la Major.



The inner room is often described as confusing. If you enter it you stand in front of this altar:

You may think this is the main altar but this isnīt correct. On the opposite site is the back of the choir:

I went upstairs to the crypt were some facsimile bibles were on display:

This is the main altar:


Choirs stalls:


Over a staircase we reached the roof which offers a panorama platform. The views were superb:







Through a a door we could spy into the church:

On the way to the Exit we visited the small Icons museum:

View from the balcony on the plaza:

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I took 2 videos at the roof which shows the surroundings:

View inside the church:

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Palacio de Mondragón was once residence of the katholic kings (my friends, you know). Today itīs a historic museum.
Renaissance facade:



The palace has many courtyards:





Impressions from the museum:




The garden offers views of the surroundings:

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Next I wanted to visit Casa del Rey Moro, the old moorish palace. We paid the entrance fee and stood in the garden.


After a look on the house it was clear we couldnīt expect too much:


At least again a nice view in the canyon:


I saw an entrance to a staircase and asked myself what it is. So I decided to find out and start climbing:


OK, this must be the 365 stairs to the ground of the canyon.

This is what you get at the ground and this is the place were you can celebrate that you soon may get the 365 steps up:


OK, some Training but not a must see.

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Next I wanted to visit the banos árabes. After I went up this stairs

and took a look into La Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza:

At the banos árabes I had to learn that they closed (due it was Sunday) 30 minutes earlier. So I only could take some looks from outside - sad.

SQTraveller

This is always annoying when this happens.

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Indeed

Bretteee

Always wanted to go to Andulicia . Now that I saw your pictures more so. I only went to Marbella. Also Santiago Compestella in the north I hear is wonderful. Is it easy to drive from village to village and towns? Also some of the Paradores look wonderful.

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I think driving is pretty easy as streets normally are in good condition. Paradors are often very well located and nice old buildings. Some you can see on pictures as they are connected with historic sights.

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After a relatively slow drive from Ronda we arrived at Finca Cortesin.
I booked 4 nights at an Executive Sea View Suite with Thomas Cook as it was nearly 300 € less than booked directly with the hotel. I asked in advance the General Manager if the hotel matches the rate but he denined. Price per night was 1.000,00 € with breakfast.
View from the pedestrian entrance:

Place in front of the entrance:

Entrance:

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We went inside and were escorted by the doorman to the check-in area. Itīs in the small front part of the lobby. With its tapestries itīs not quite what you would expect after you arrived at the bright forecourt.


Check-In was fast and we were asked if we like welcome drinks. We went through the second Lobby, again a different style:


A view inside the bar (very cold all the time and therefore unintimate, was empty most time) :

We took a place at the terrace and ordered instead of the offered Champagner (even if you drink alcohol, whay take such a boring drink? You can buy it everywhere) 2 non-alcoholic cocktails:

Funny enough we went a little bit on the terrace to enjoy the ocean view and saw on the left a few terraces. They were absolutely unprotected from any views. I only took a picture at night and it donīt even show how "good" the view on the terraces was:

I thought it was pretty clear this must be the cheapest rooms at the hotel and I said you could shoot yourself immediately if you have to stay at such a shanty. Later I had to learn it were all Executive Sea View Suites……
Next we were shown the Courtyard in front of our suite which was beautiful at day

and at night:


Adjected was this beautiful seating area with impressive attention to detail:



But now, letīs see our suite....