Torrox is situated 47 kilometres east of Malaga. It has three urban nuclei: Torrox Costa and El Morche on the coast, and Torrox Pueblo 2 kilometres inland and 125 metres above sea level. Torrox lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a residential population of 12,000 which increases with tourism during the summer months.Torrox Pueblo has retained its white Moorish village structure with attractive narrow streets and a main square which is a lively and focal meeting place. Much of the town has beautiful views down to the coast. There was once a Moorish castle on top of the hill on which the town stands where, it is claimed, King Almanzor was born in the 10th century. During Islamic occupation, Torrox prospered in agriculture and the silk trade. 16th century buildings include the Mudejar style church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the Shrine and Convent of the Virgen de las Nieves. Interesting civil works include the 18th century Hospital of San José and the 19th century Sugar Factory.
Torrox Costa is one of only two towns along the coast of Axarquia that has high rise apartment blocks along its central coastal stretch. This is compensated for by two splendid maritime promenades with attractive restaurants and bars and 9 kilometres of wide sandy beaches. Either side of the main area are more rustic low rise buildings and bamboo fringed beaches. El Morche, on the coast to the west of Torrox Costa, is a small unspoilt sea-side village. To the east of the main town, alongside the lighthouse, the new 'Balcon de Torrox' has been constructed as a lookout to the sea and headlands and with transparent flooring looking down on Roman remains described below.
Phoenician remains on the coast testify to the long history of settlement in the area but Torrox also constituted an important factory town during the Roman era, from which extensive ruins have been conserved on the coast beside the lighthouse. These include a necroplis, a restored thermal baths, ovens used in the manufacture of ceramics, houses, the luxury villa Clavicum built in the 1st century and troughs used for the preparation of fish paste (garum).
The River Torrox irrigates the area supplying water for the cultivation of sub-tropical and greenhouse fruits on the coast and vineyards and olive trees inland. |
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