Torrox Information

Its urban architecture, of Moorish extraction, surprises the visitor with its steep streets, squares and corners where the light, the sun and the flower are always united. The Plaza de la Constitucion offers the visitor a singular set of Roman busts at the tops of the eaves in its buildings, among which towers the imposing bulk of the Parish Church of la Encarnación (XVIII century). Other monuments will turn up in our way, like the set made up of the Convent and Hermitage of the Virgen de las Nieves (XVI century), the towers of its old walled enclosure which according to some historians may have been the birthplace of Almanzor, the Church of San Roque (XVI c.), the Hospital of San Jose (XVIII c.), as well as the old Mint or the Sugar Factory (XIX c.), which confirm its economic splendour in the past centuries. On the coast, nevertheless, a populous Roman city was settled which reached its peak between the I and the IV century, a fact proved by a Necropolis, some Thermae, two ovens for the manufacturing of ceramic, salt containers to fabricate the famous "garum" and a village -"Mansio Caviclum" - which make up the fascinating archaeological set of the Lighthouse, whose keeper Tomas Garcia Ruiz started the excavations of in the first years of our century. Two watchtowers which were erected by the Arabs in two coast headlands dominate the 9 km. of its beaches, standing out those of Ferrara, El Morche, Peñoncillo and Calaceite.

They add to its tourist atmosphere two magnificent Maritime Walks . To all this attractive factors we have to mention its traditions and popular festivities, like the feasts in honour of the Virgen de las Nieves (August the 5); The ones dedicated to the Patrons (October 4-7), la Candelaria September 7-8), the night of San Juan (June the 24), with curious traditions; the Cruces de Mayo (May 2-3) and the famous feasts of Las Migas (Sunday before Christmas) with the tasting of this typical dish and also of the good local wines. During them, Verdiales are sung and danced, as well as other varieties of the rich Andalusian folkore.

The House of the Moorish Kings dates from the 18th century and has wonderful gardens that must be viewed. From the gardens is access to the underground mines built by Abomelik in the 14th century. It used to have 365 steps but now only has 200. Inside are several rooms used as dungeons and store rooms.

A good place to finish your tour is the Plaza El Socorro which is surrounded by good shops, fine restaurants and is a warm sun trap. Here you will also find the Church of Socorro.