The best bullrings in Andalucia

One of the most representative symbols of Spain are bullfights, but most of the time we do not pay attention to the most important element where this tradition takes place, its squares. In a country with so much monumental wealth it could not be missed that the bullrings were another of the architectural jewels that we have, which only for the artistic value they contain are  already an essential part of many tour guides. Specifically in Andalusia we find a good number of beautiful and unique squares that you should know, Do you want to know what are some of the most important? Well, read on and find out.

Ronda bullring

Ronda is considered one of the birthplaces of bullfighting, and in it we find this square, which recognized for its history, architecture and beauty is one of the oldest and most important not only in Andalusia, but in Spain. It is owned by the Royal Master of the Cavalry of Ronda and was declared as a Property of Cultural Interest under the category of Monument in 1993.

The need to defend the municipality took the monarch of the time, Philip II, to found the aforementioned institution in the sixteenth century, so that the handling of horses was maintained. In this way the Royal Cavalry included an area in the village to train  the  animals and included activities with bulls. His  strength and bravura with horses led  to the birth of a  pastime  that was exciting for the population. In this way it was decided to build a building for the celebration of the show.

After six years of intense construction, the square was inaugurated in 1785. It was built with sandstone and is such its monumentality that the circular courtyard is reminiscent of the Palace of Charles V of the Alhambra of Granada.

Today there are numerous important bullfighters who have bullfighting in this square, including those of the Rivera Ordóñez family.

Visiting hours are set from Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 in the morning to 15:00 in the afternoon at a price of 8€ per person.

La Maestranza bullring in Seville

Established as the oldest coso nationally, it is the official venue for bullfighting shows held during the festivities of the April Fair in Seville. Due to the recognition of this fair, which is attended by people from all over the world, during the runs the square is very busy. La Maestranza is one of the most important and popular tourist attractions of the Andalusian capital, being one of the most visited monuments of this. It was inaugurated in 1881 after many decades of problematic reforms and because of this it is one of the squares with the most constructive complexity of the country and is owned by the Royal Cavalry Master of Seville.

Visiting hours are different depending on the time of year:

-From April 1st to October 31st from 9:30 am to 21:00 at night.

-From 1 November to 31 March from 9:30 am to 15:00 in the afternoon.

If your visit coincides with a day when a bullfight is held, the opening hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to 3 p.m. and heifer days from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The price of the general admission is 8€, for those over 65 years old, students and large families is 5€ and for children under 11 years will be 3€. Admission for people with a disability greater than 33% is free of charge.

La Malagueta bullring

Located in the city of Malaga (specifically close to the beach of Malagueta) we find this monumental square inaugurated at the end of the nineteenth century by various renowned bullfighters. After undergoing a change of functionality during the Spanish Civil War, the square was declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1976 and five years later, Cultural Interest.

In 2010 a reform was carried out that expanded the capacity in 9032 people and is considered a first class square, since it celebrates some of the most important bullfights: La Corrida Picassiana and the Corrida de la Prensa that is held in June. During the festivities of Easter and the Malaga Fair (In August) the square becomes of national importance as it welcomes bullfighters of great importance.

Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 14:00 in the afternoon at a price of 1´80 euros (for children under 7 years old admission is free)

Jerez bullring

It was built in the first half of the nineteenth century, becoming one of the oldest and most representative in Andalusia. However, the building does not last long, because in 1860 (21 years after its construction) a fire consumed the building, which had to be lifted again in some works that did not end until 12 years later.

This square has several peculiarities, and is that in it has been cultivated a modality of bullfighting called “of rejoneo” and in it have been formed bullfighters of the likes of Joselito El Gallo. The square has the capacity to accommodate 9500 people and it celebrates important runs, especially at the time of the Jerez Fair.

Visiting hours are Monday to Saturday at the following times:

–Monday to Friday from 10:00 in the morning to 14:00 in the afternoon and from 17:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon.

–Saturdays from 10:00 in the morning to 14:00 in the afternoon. (Although on public holidays Saturday times may change, so it is advisable to check the official website)

Granada bullring

Recognized as one of the largest bullring in Andalusia with capacity to accommodate 12400 people we find this Mudejar style building placed among one of the ten most important in the Autonomous Community.

Until the mid-18th century there was no particular place to celebrate bullfighting in Granada (although they had been celebrating many centuries in different squares of the city that were not intended for these shows). It was with the arrival of the Royal Master of the Cavalry in Granada that it was decided to build a building dedicated specifically to bullfighting shows. It was in 1768 that the modern bullfighting history of the city was born.

Despite efforts, in 1876 a fire destroyed what was the first official square, leaving the population for 3 years attentive to the remodeling of what was the second known square. On this occasion a cyclone demolished the building (which had been adapted to welcome 14,000 spectators) and reconstruction work resumed. It is in 1928 when the third and definitive bullring of Granada stands, inaugurated in a big way in honor of the “Virgen de las Angustias” Patron of the town. The same year of its opening was named “Monumental de Frascuelo” in honor of the famous bullfighter and as everyone now knows it.

It was declared of Cultural Interest in 1992.

Visits are available from Monday to Saturday, changing their schedule depending on the time of year:

-In summer: from 10:00 in the morning to 13:00 in the afternoon and from 17:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon.

-In winter: from 10:00 in the morning to 13:00 in the afternoon and from 14:00 to 16:00 in the afternoon.

The price of the general admission is 8 euros, for retirees it will be 6 euros and children under 6 years old enter for free.

Cordoba bullring

Its origin dates back to the mid-20th century (1963) when a group of Cordoba founded a society to begin its construction and it was inaugurated after two years of intense works. It was named ‘Coso de los Califas’ after the five great Cordoba killers: Lagartijo, Machaquito, Manolete, Guerrita and Cordobés, whose busts flank the front door.

It is one of the largest bullrings in Andalusia, with a capacity of 16900 people and  is considered top notch. Currently the construction hosts a lot of events, because in addition to the bullfights themselves, in summer the summer cinema is installed and throughout the year many musical shows are held as concerts. In 2019 the bullring was chosen to host the singer Rosalía during the well-known “White Flamenco Night”

Visits are made upon request or by email.

And if you are looking for new experiences in Andalusia, Oway Tours offers the best guided tours in the Autonomous Community

• Alhambra of Granada
• Real Alcazar of Seville
• Mosque of Cordoba
• Monumental Ronda