Ronda is one of Spain's oldest town. During roman times it was named ARUNDA, meaning 'surrounded by mountains'. In 713, during the Arab invasion, Ronda was conquered without declaring a battle and later flourished through the Arab occupation. It even became an independent Taifa when the Taifa of Cordoba was divided

On May 22 1485 the Catholic Kings conquered Ronda. The families of Ronda who had formally arranged surrender in 713 were strangely enough not beheaded but given land and houses in the province of Alcalá de Guadiario which had been taken from the Jews during the Inquisition. Their own houses were confiscated in return and given to the Christians who were moving into the city.

In 1570 Ronda's few remaining Moors were expelled.

In 1572 the Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Ronda was founded with the ntent of training for the defence and war.

In the 18th century the city experienced a period of important constructions such as the bullring in 1785 and the building of the Puente Nuevo in 1735.

Locally born Pedro Romero Martinez (it is his statue in front of bullring), son of a carpenter, became Ronda's most famous citizen when he decided to enter the world of bullfighting. He became a famous matador, and killed 5600 bulls in his career. In 1785 he inaugurated the Plaza de Toros de Ronda. He retired in 1806, but stayed an active participant in the bullfighting circle by teaching at the Escuela de Tauromaquia de Sevilla (bullfighting school in Seville)

During the Napoleonic War in 1810, Joseph Bonaparte, who had been declared King of Spain by his brother Napoleon Bonaparte, invaded Ronda and settled for the winter. When the troops left after 2 years they blew up the castle and other strategic defences.

During the Civil War from 1936 - 1939, Ronda fell to the nationalist forces of General Varela on September 16th 1936. Republicans who had not fled to Malaga became victims of brutal reprises. Many families fled into the mountains forming guerrilla bands and lived as outlaws (bandoleros). One of Andalucias famous bandits was El Tempranillo. In 1844 in an effort to successfully disperse the bandit groups, a unit was formed which is known today as the Civil Guard.

In 1960 Ronda became one of Andalucias main tourist attractions due mainly to bullfighting enthusiasts such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells.

Ronda's old town was called La Ciudad (the city). Due to expansion, a new, modern city El Mercadillo (the Market) was developed, connected by the famous "Puente Nuevo"�. This is where the bullring and the shopping area of Ronda are situated today. El Barrio de San Fransisco is located outside of Ronda and is now an area of new developments and family homes. It was developed in the old days to avoid trading taxes imposed on merchants coming into the city.