Camino de ronda
Encyclopedia
The Camí de Ronda was a footpath built along the Costa Brava
coast to help the Guardia Civil control the coast and stop smuggling.
The origins are located in 19th Century when it was formed from small footpaths through the cliffs along the coast of Catalonia
. In the 20th Century, especially in the postwar period, the path acquired a great importance as a method of controlling the country's border, especially in the difficult economic conditions Spain found itself after the civil war
.
However corruption ensured the route did not stop smuggling. The continuing border controls and economic situation in the 40’s and 50’s, when even basic foods, tools and other products were in short supply in Spain, allowed the few smugglers to amass fortunes. The improvement of the Spanish economy and eventual entry into the European Union
ensured the path lost its importance.
Much of the route is now a series of public footpaths often connecting tourist beaches and resorts.
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a coastal region of northeastern Catalonia, Spain, in the comarques of Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà and Selva, in the province of Girona. Costa is the Catalan and Spanish word for 'coast', and Brava means 'rugged' or 'wild'...
coast to help the Guardia Civil control the coast and stop smuggling.
The origins are located in 19th Century when it was formed from small footpaths through the cliffs along the coast of Catalonia
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
. In the 20th Century, especially in the postwar period, the path acquired a great importance as a method of controlling the country's border, especially in the difficult economic conditions Spain found itself after the civil war
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil WarAlso known as The Crusade among Nationalists, the Fourth Carlist War among Carlists, and The Rebellion or Uprising among Republicans. was a major conflict fought in Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939...
.
However corruption ensured the route did not stop smuggling. The continuing border controls and economic situation in the 40’s and 50’s, when even basic foods, tools and other products were in short supply in Spain, allowed the few smugglers to amass fortunes. The improvement of the Spanish economy and eventual entry into the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
ensured the path lost its importance.
Much of the route is now a series of public footpaths often connecting tourist beaches and resorts.