Viewers captivated by Netflix's new three-part adaptation, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, are eager to explore the lavish and mysterious settings behind the series. Premiering in January 2026, the show transports audiences to the crumbling aristocracy of 1920s England, but one of its most striking backdrops is actually found in southern Spain.
The Andalusian Opening: Ronda's Dramatic Debut
The murder mystery opens with a flashback to the year 1920, set in the breathtaking town of Ronda. This is not a fictional creation; Ronda is a very real and historic town located in Spain's Andalusia region. The Netflix production crew filmed on location there, capturing sweeping shots of its ancient architecture perched atop a mountain.
The star of the show's opening sequence is undoubtedly the Puente Nuevo bridge. This iconic 18th-century structure runs dramatically across the 120-metre-deep El Tajo gorge, offering stunning views of the valleys and mountains below. While the Puente Nuevo is the most famous, the town also boasts other picturesque bridges like the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) and the Puente Arabe (Arab Bridge).
Beyond the Bridge: Exploring Ronda's Historic Charms
Ronda is famously split into an old town (La Ciudad) and a new town (El Mercadillo), each brimming with history. Key attractions that visitors can explore include:
- The Puente Nuevo museum, located within the bridge itself.
- The well-preserved Arab Baths (Baños Árabes).
- Mondragón Palace and the Casa del Gigante.
- The city's ancient walls and the Puerta de Almocabar gate.
Another crucial location featured in Seven Dials is a bullring, where pivotal dramatic scenes unfold. It is highly likely these were filmed at Ronda's Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of the oldest and most historic bullrings in Spain, which hosts a famous annual corrida.
Planning a Visit to the Seven Dials Set
For those inspired to see Ronda for themselves, it is easily accessible. The town is approximately a 90-minute drive from the coastal city of Málaga. Alternatively, a train journey from Málaga takes around two hours, making it an ideal day trip destination.
While Ronda provides the exotic flashback setting, the series also extensively filmed across quintessentially British locations. These include the cities of Bath and Bristol, the county of Gloucestershire, and the stately homes Badminton House and Westonbirt House. The series stars a stellar cast including Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman, led by Mia McKenna-Bruce as amateur detective Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent.
