The Posada de las Ánimas (which means “The Inn of the Souls” in Spanish) is one of the oldest buildings in the Barrio del Mercadillo, dating from the 16th century. It functioned as an inn until the 19th century, hosting prominent figures of the time, such as Miguel de Cervantes, the famous Spanish writer and author of “Don Quixote”.
At the time, Cervantes worked as a tax collector. He was appointed to the post in 1573 and held the position for about five years. During this time, he travelled extensively throughout the region, collecting taxes from the local residents.
Cervantes is known to have visited Ronda several times during his tenure as a tax collector. It is believed that he found inspiration for his literary works from the landscapes and people he encountered here. In fact, it is said that Ronda may have served as the inspiration for the setting of Cervantes' famous work, "Don Quixote."
Today, Ronda celebrates its connection to Cervantes with a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Ronda Romantica festival, which celebrates the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
