Torrevieja
Encyclopedia : T : TO : TOR : Torrevieja
| Torrevieja | |
|---|---|
| Coat of Arms |  |
| Nation | |
| Region | Comunidad Valenciana |
| Province | Alicante |
| Comarca | Vega Baja del Segura |
| Languages | Spanish, English, German, Valencian. |
| Postal Codes | 03181 to 03187 |
| Latitude | 37°58'40'' N |
| Longitude | 0º41'00'' W |
| Area | 71km² |
| Elevation | 7m above sea-level. |
| Population | 84,868 habitants (2005) |
| Density | 703 persons/km² |
| Resident | Torrevejense (Male) - Torrevejensa (Female) |
| Mayor | Pedro Hernández Mateo (PP) |
Torrevieja (Torrevella in Catalan) is a seaside city and municipality located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, in south-eastern Spain. Torrevieja lies about 30 miles south of the city of Alicante and has a population of 84,348 (2005). Torrevieja was originally a salt-mining and fishing village but in recent years the local economy has hugely expanded due to the tourist industry. This includes both a strong contingent of British, Germans and Scandinavians, many of whom live there all the year round, and Spanish tourists who have a holiday home in the city. In 2004 Torrevieja had the largest number of British residents of all the Spanish municipalities (approx. 7,180). City is located between the sea and two large salt lakes (Las Salinas), which give Torrevieja a healthy micro climate. The city is a conservative stronghold, with the Partido Popular holding 15 seats in the local assembly.
The world-famous Habanera festival for choral groups is held every August, when the city population expands roughly ten fold, like many other towns along the Costa Blanca.
Population
The INE (Spanish Census) of 2005 showed that the city had 84,838 residents, and the ayuntamiento (district council area) had 95,530 residents. The most prominent nationalities in the area were:- 47.8% Spanish
- 13.3% British
- 5.15% German
- 3.14% Swedish
- 2.73% Russian
- 2.58% Colombian
- 2.24% Ukrainian
- 2.17% Moroccan
- 2.17% Norwegian
- 18.72% Other
History
Until 1802, Torrevieja existed only as an ancient guard tower, which gave the town its name (Torre Vieja (Spanish) means Old Tower) and some labourers' cottages. But in 1803, King Charles IV authorized the the movement of the salt mines from La Mata to the town itself and allowed the construction of dwellings there. In 1829, the town was totally decimated by an earthquake but the mines were soon reconstructed and re-opened. In 1931, King Alfonso XIII gave Torrevieja city status by special grant. During this period, there was also a growing market for cannibis plants 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 Spain, mainly Galicia and to a lesser extent, Valencia. Although by the dawn of the 20th Century, a quarter of all the salt mined in Torrevieja, was sold in Spain itself and the rest exported was to foreign markets.
Places of Interest
- Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción - Originally erected in 1789 and then reconstructed in 1844, using stones reclaimed from the original Torre Vieja, (Old Tower).
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (La Mata), constructed in 1896.
- Paseo de la Dique de Levante
- Parque de las Naciones or The Park of the Nations
- Museo del Mar y de la Sal (Sea and Salt Museum)
- Las Salinas - The famous salt lakes to the west of the city.
- The Market
- Centro Habaneras - A semi-outdoor Shopping Mall.
Demography
| 1991 | 1996 | 2001 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 25,014 | 35,998 | 50,953 | 75,530 | 84,348 |
See also
External links
- [Official Website of Torrevieja]
- [Official web-site of FC Torrevieja - Football]
- [Torrevieja] - City guide with a video on most important places around Torrevieja, from a local citizen
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