Ronda...choose your spot.

As you know from an earlier post on arriving at Ronda the first thing we decided to do was to go down to the 'Mirador de Cuenca' a viewpoint where you get  great photos of the iconic 'Puente Nuevo' bridge. We also noticed the hotel/restaurant built into the cliff face that looked like the ideal spot to have a seat and take in the views.

So, after exploring the 'old town' we headed back across the bridge and looking down on the terraces confirmed that it was a fabulous location.

We headed down onto one of the lower terraces where we had a drink and took in the stunning views.

We both agreed it would be a lovely spot to watch the evening sunset. 

So after some more exploring we did just that and returned to take an aperitif before heading out for dinner.

The terraces belong to 'Hotel Don Miguel' and are a great spot for a drink and the views but the hotel's rooms and food sadly, get slaughtered on review sites...which is a shame.

We will show more of the wonderful views later.

Wednesday for windows...stunning in Seville.

A walk in the counryside around Marcé-sur-Esves...

 

Went on our first 'official' walk since returning from Spain yesterday around Marcé-sur-Esves. Turned out to be a good walk in February sunshine. We have been lucky enough to have had no rain since our return and judging from the evidence around us have missed a great deal while we were away.

As we were passing it the group popped into the village church to look at its modern stained glass windows on which there seemed to be a difference of opinion as to whether they were aesthetically pleasing or not.

Well well well...Casa Del Rey Moro

The most interesting visit while in Ronda had to be to the Casa Del Rey Moro (house of the Moorish king), well actually into the gardens only, as the house is closed, for essential repairs. It is an 18th century house with an 18th century garden designed by a Frenchman so no Moorish king could have lived there. Perhaps there had been a palace her before then.

 What makes it interesting however is that there is access to a Moorish water mine in the garden. It was used to draw water from the Guadalevin river at the bottom of the gorge when the town was under siege. It had been excavated by Christian slaves who then had to bring up the water climbing over 230 steps.

We paid 10 euros each for the unique experience but after returning via the unusually high risers felt they should have paid us for successfully completing it!

There is a platform at the bottom that offers great views that let you know just how far you have plunged!

Personally I think they should rename it and call it a goldmine as the entrance fee  is collected for what appears to be little or no maintenance being carried out other than a part-time gardener.

You can see more detail about it here. The photo below of the house is from their site as my attempt to capture it fell foul of the sunshine we were enjoying!

Benches from our road-trip...Ronda.