Torrevieja

Historia

Torrevieja is a seaside city and municipality located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alacant, in south Valencian Country. Torrevieja lies about 50 kilometres south of the city of Alacant and has a population of 105,000 (2012). Torrevella was originally a salt-mining and fishing village as it is located between the sea and two large salt lakes (Las Salinas), which give Torrevella a healthy microclimate.HistoryUntil 1802, Torrevieja existed only as an ancient guard tower, which gave the town its name (Torre Vella (Catalan) means Old Tower) and some labourers' cottages. But in 1803, Charles IV authorised the movement of the salt production offices from La Mata to the town itself and allowed the construction of dwellings there. In 1829, the town was totally destroyed by an earthquake, but the basins were soon reconstructed and re-opened. In 1931, Alfonso XIII gave Torrevieja city status by special grant. During this period, there was also a growing market for flax, hemp and cotton.In the 19th century, the salt was mainly shipped from the town by Swedish and Dutch ships. At the time, there was only limited demand from other regions of Catalan Countries and Spain, mainly Galiza and to a lesser extent, València. Although by the dawn of the 20th century, a quarter of all the salt harvested from the lagoon in Torrevieja was sold in Catalan Countries itself, and the rest exported was to foreign markets. Today, it is still an important industry in Torrevieja and a major employer. You can visit the Museum of Sea and Salt.