Plaza Duquesa de Parcent Ronda © Michelle Chaplow |
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Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, Ronda
By far the loveliest public space in Ronda, this leafy square boasts an embarrassment of monuments. Its star is the Iglesia de Santa Maria lal Mayor, whose exquisite belltower suggests Renaissance . This is another church commissioned by the Reyes Catolicos, sited with some purpose on the ruins of a mosque, believed to have been the centre of prayer in the Arabic Medina. (This itself is also said, in unproven speculation, to have been built on the remains of an earlier Roman temple.) Some of the Moorish detail remains, notably part of the mihrab, or prayer niche, but that’s largely obscured by an ornamental retable behind the altar. The church took over 200 years to build, and its three naves and chapels take in both gothic and Renaissance styles. Its greatest flourish, in a church not lacking flourishes, is the elaborate baroque screen of the altar of the Virgin del Mayor Dolor, which probably translates as great sadness but its Spanish curators read as ‘extreme pain’. It is the chief religious site in Ronda, but also fun to be around on the hour, when the quintuple carillon in its fairytale belltower can be heard chiming throughout Ronda.
 The elaborate baroque screen of the altar of the Virgin del Mayor Dolor |
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It is adjoined by the (usually closed) convents of Charity (Caridad) and the Claristas (the ‘poor Clares’), each with their own private iglesia or chapel. The order of Caridad nuns are famous for baking special biscuits and cakes for Navidad, Christmas, which the enclosed order sells through a ‘turno’, or revolving hatch, in the door.
The Plaza’s collection of impressive buildings is completed by the unusually long and low arched ayuntamiento, or council building. This handsome edifice was originally constructed as a military prison in 1734, but later converted, with some architectural details imported from other buildings in the old city, into the town council. Today it houses a police station, sundry administration offices and, an interesting excuse to brave its doors, a public cafeteria open to all in its sotano, basement. The entrance features Mudejar-style ceiling designs, and the interior is spotted with archaeological finds from the Ciudad and surrounds..
The Plaza Duquesa de Parcent in Ronda is a picturesque square that combines history, charm, and natural beauty. Surrounded by fragrant orange trees, it offers a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Visitors can enhance their experience with a delightful horse and carriage ride around the square, adding a touch of romance and tradition. This iconic spot is a must-visit for anyone exploring the enchanting town of Ronda
