Built by the Marquis of Mohernando in 1740, the Mina de Agua was a direct response to Ronda’s vulnerability during periods of conflict. The town, perched high on a rocky plateau, was difficult to access—an advantage when it came to defense but a challenge when it came to securing basic resources like water. To overcome this, the Marquis orchestrated the creation of a tunnel system that would connect Ronda to the Guadalevín River, 100 meters below. 

The water was transported by a steep, vertical shaft—later connected to a series of wells and tunnels. The design was not only a feat of engineering but also a work of endurance, as the laborers had to dig through solid rock with rudimentary tools. The result was a system that could deliver water directly to Ronda’s homes and fountains, making it nearly impossible for an enemy to cut off the town’s supply. 

Visiting the *Mina de Agua* today feels like stepping into another era. The 365 steps that lead you into the bowels of the mine descend through a dark, narrow passage, every step closer to the river that once fed the town. As you make your way down, it’s easy to imagine the painstaking labor that went into this hidden engineering masterpiece. At the bottom, the cool air and echo of water remind you of the lives it sustained.

In a town known for its dramatic history and stunning views, the Mina de Agua is perhaps Ronda’s most intriguing and least-visited treasure—a silent witness to the determination and resourcefulness that allowed this mountain town to endure through centuries of uncertainty.