Orson Welles’ statue and the nearby Paseo de Orson Welles are dedicated to the iconic American filmmaker and the director of the famous “Citizen Kane”, who fell in love with Ronda during his first visit to the town in the 1950s and made it his home for several years.
Welles was initially drawn to Ronda for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage. He was captivated by the town's rugged landscape, including the El Tajo gorge, which features a spectacular 120-metre deep canyon that separates the old and new parts of town. Welles was also fascinated by Ronda's history, which dates back to the Roman period.
During his time in Ronda, Welles became deeply involved in the local community. He was known to frequent local bars and cafes, where he would engage in lively conversations with the town's residents. He also became friends with the town's mayor and was even made an honorary citizen of Ronda.
Welles was so enamoured with Ronda that he even chose to film scenes from his 1965 movie "Chimes at Midnight" in the town. The movie features several scenes shot in and around Ronda's historic bullfighting ring.
Today, Ronda honours Welles' legacy with several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The town is also home to a museum dedicated to Welles, which features memorabilia and artefacts from his life and career.
Welles is also the author of this sentence: “A man does not belong to the place where he was born, but to the place where he chooses to die.” Orson Welles’ funeral was held in Spain at the El Recreo San Cayetano estate. His ashes rest in Ronda, at the expressed wish of the filmmaker.
