Ronda is a picturesque town in southern Spain, located in Andalusia, in the province of Málaga. It is one of the most characteristic and historically rich places in Spain, lying on a rocky plateau divided by the deep El Tajo ravine. There is no shortage of architectural gems there, one of which is LA Almazara.
Architecture that draws on tradition
LA Almazara is the creation of designer and architect Philippe Starck. He has been designing interiors, furniture and even toys or kitchen accessories for many years. Born in Paris in 1949, he is a trendsetter but also stirs up controversy in international design and design circles.
The building by Philippe Starck in Ronda is characterised by minimalism and an abstract structure. When deciding to create this building, the artist aimed to create a space that invites visitors to experience something transformative. The building, which can be admired in Ronda, Spain, reduces the effect of excess.
The viewer visiting the site is left only with the raw materials and symbolic elements. These are meant to directly relate to the culture of the environment in which it operates, as well as to the natural landscape in which it is sunk. Ronda is not only a picturesque town, but also a region known for its olive oil production. Bullfighting is also a permanent feature of the area’s past. Traces of Moorish and Spanish architecture can still be seen in the villages.
Looking inside
In the artist’s own words, LA Almazara is a marvellous place where visitors can experience an almost ascetic form that is at the same time architecturally very attractive. The building erected in Ronda is completely devoid of ornamentation. Hence, every element that one finds inside has a specific purpose.
The designer proposed a monolithic red cube with a geometric shape. What makes it stand out is certainly the large steel bull’s-eye and the concrete eye spitting out black smoke. These can be seen from outside the building, without having to go inside. In this way, the artist refers directly to the spirit of Andalusian surrealism, but also to the famous bullfights.
Inside, a number of surprises await visitors. One of these is a reference to the history and culture of the region, a half olive embedded in a rusted steel wall. In this way, the French artist alludes to what makes the area unique – the production ofolive oil. A massive bullfighting sword and a huge portrait of the famous matador from Ronda attract attention in the building.
A distinctive feature of the building is the terrace, which has been suspended by metal chains. Anyone who sits on it will be able to sink into the views of the picturesque Ronda.
During your stay, visit this first olive oil museum in the world, which combines oil production, design, art, tradition and gastronomy. This unique space offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Here, the heritage of olive oil production meets contemporary art. What is worth knowing before visiting?
Visit Plus
Visit to an olive mill and olive oil tasting (1.5 hours / €25)
- entrance to the museum with a group guide
- tasting of organic olive oil
- tasting of hand-baked bread with organic olive oil
Premium visit
Visit to an olive oil mill and tasting of olive oil (1.5 hours)
- Entry to the LA Almazara Museum with a private guide
- tasting of organic olive oil
- tasting of artisan bread with organic olive oil
- aperitif with products from Ronda
Primary visit
Visit to an olive oil mill and olive oil tasting (1.5 hours / €25)
- entrance to the museum with audio guide
- tasting of organic olive oil
- tasting of artisan bread with organic olive oil
Exclusive visit
Visit to an olive oil mill and tasting of olive oil (1.5 hours)
- entrance to the museum with a private guide
- tasting of organic olive oil
- tasting of artisan bread with organic olive oil
- exclusive services: helicopter / wine tasting
Ronda – this place delights
Ronda’s main attraction is the monumental El Tajo ravine, which cuts the city in two. The Guadalevín River flows through the gorge and the famous Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) bridge, built in the 18th century, rises above it. It is about 100 metres high and is one of the symbols of the city. From its top, there is a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Ronda is known for being the cradle of the modern corrida. The bullfighting arena here, Plaza de Toros, built in 1785, is one of the oldest in Spain. The arena can hold around 5,000 spectators and played a key role in the development of the Spanish corrida.
The historic part of Ronda, known as La Ciudad, is a maze of narrow, winding streets with whitewashed houses. There are numerous monuments such as the Palacio de Mondragón, a former Moorish palace that now houses the city museum, and the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, a church built on the site of a former mosque.
Ronda is surrounded by beautiful mountains, which are the perfect place for hiking. They are known for their natural wealth, including the Sierra de Grazalema, famous for its picturesque landscapes and rare plant species. The area around Ronda is also ideal for lovers of horse riding, mountain biking or climbing.
Ronda has been an inspiration to many artists and writers. Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles spent time in the city and marvelled at its beauty. Hemingway described Ronda as one of the most beautiful places he had seen, and Welles fell in love with it so much that his ashes were scattered near the town.
