Reservatauro a different kind of bullfighting experience

As many as you know, the Ronda bullfighting tradition dates back several centuries. Back in the 18th century, the famous bullfighting dynasty of Romero linked the name of the city of Ronda to the world of bullfighting, taking the city's bullfighting tradition to the point in which the city built the first bullring in Spain, the famous Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda which is now considered to be an icon and the birthplace of the world of bullfighting and a symbol of the link between the world of bullfighting and the city of Ronda.

Until today, the only way that visitors could see the bullfighting world in Ronda was by visiting the city's bull ring or watching one of the Goyesca bullfights. And we say "until today” given that a beautiful way to discover the world of the bull has come about very close to Ronda and in this article, we wanted to show you and invite you to live an extraordinary experience that will make you see the king of the meadowsfrom a different perspective.

The experience we are talking about is just a few kilometres from Ronda, it's called Reservatauro and is the first theme park in the world based around the Mediterranean meadow, fighting bulls and purebred Spanish horses.

The countryside that surrounds Reservatauro leaves visitors in awe.

Looking at a postcard scene like this, no further explanation needs to be given to see why it's a Biosphere Reserve.

The Sierra de las Nieves to one side, Grazalema to the other and opposite you, beautiful emblems of the Mediterranean meadow bathed by savage livestock, impatiently awaiting our visit. Yes, you read well. Our visit.

In search of the King of the meadow

The visit to Reservatauro starts with a small introduction given in the Tientas bullring, where every year the best bulls are selected, and we begin our visit.

After hearing the first facts about where we are and what the visit is going to have in store for us, we get into the 4x4 of the estate's herder and head for the meadows, which, filled with ancient oak trees, forms the most wonderful setting for raising the most noble and savage of its inhabitants: the Bull.

As we advance, we cross the reserve's beautiful countrysides and gradually the protagonists make their appearance.

Firstly the cows, accompanied by the powerful studs and then the small calves born this year.

Further on we see the young bulls

And, of course, the bull, a wonderful animal resulting from centuries of man's passion to create the most beautiful creature which we will later get to know in one of the most authentic experiences in Andalusia.

A walk around the territory of fighting bulls

Up until now, we have seen all these animals from behind the barrier, but can you imagine crossing it and being able to walk amongst these animals? It would be quite normal if you said no, but however much this may surprise you, behind this image of a dangerous and aggressive animal, which is the image that we often receive from seeing them in bullrings, is a spectacularly noble animal, which may even let you stroke it.

This is the star experience at Reservatauro. The "crossing the frontier” of the fighting bull to see first hand how contact with these animals in their natural habitat is absolutely spectacular and the experience of having them eat out of your hands.

Being able to look into these animal's eyes is a UNIQUE experience.

It's impossible to describe the sensation you feel every time the ground trembles when these animals decide to trot together. They are sensations. They cannot be described with words. You have to experience it.

The most spectacular moment of the day

If you thought that the visit had ended, you'd be very mistaken. It's only just started! From the meadows you go to the work area where you can discover the livestock facilities, the enclosure of cows with their young, the Spanish thoroughbred section...

A covered ring where you will see a beautiful show with thoroughbred Spanish dressage horses, an amazing exhibition following the rhythm of the music to trots and gallops.

And then comes another of the day's star moments: the countryside tasks with the professionals of the estate.

These men will test your senses and those of a fighting bull which will use all its energy to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up with scenes like this.

It's times like this when you can really appreciate the strength, spectacular nature and power of an incredible animal.

It's a real privilege to be able to visit or live in Andalusia, just to witness such marvellous moments like this, and we're sure you'll agree that it's a real spectacle of nature.

An ending with a delicious aftertaste

After such an intense day, we arrive at midday, having put all of our senses to the test. On the one side, the view, with our memory full of fabulous moments; our sense of smell, full of flora from meadows bathed inlandscapes; the feel of the fighting bull's coat, and lastly, the sound of the music of the Spanish thoroughbred dressage, but there's a sense missing, isn't there? Exactly, taste! lunchtime! Where a bit of gastronomy will really hit the spot.

Not forgetting that we are in Ronda, there was no better way to end this wonderful experience than by trying the local wine, excellent cheeses and cured meats  and all this accompanied by a spectacular landscape which makes the food seem to taste better.

One of the emblems of Reservatauro, its, bullring.

A bullring from which we begin the route around the reserve and from which we invite you to live a unique experience for all lovers of the countryside and of bulls who want to experience how wonderful this animal is up close.