- torrevieja City Council has conducted new archaeological excavations in the historic Eras de la Sal area after demolishing the Grupo de empresa building.
- Discoveries include an 18th-century lime mortar pavement predating existing salt production facilities, plus structures from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Over €283,000 has been allocated for archaeological work within a larger €6.4 million renovation project of the Ice Factory and surrounding areas.
- The site, crucial for Torrevieja’s salt extraction heritage, is protected as a Local Heritage Asset though not officially registered under broader Valencian cultural protection plans.
- Ongoing archaeological monitoring, cleaning, and protection of the Eras de la Sal structures will continue for the next 24 months.
New Archaeological Discoveries Illuminate Torrevieja’s Salt Heritage at Eras de la Sal
The Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja has launched a fresh wave of archaeological excavations following the demolition of the Grupo de Empresa building in the historic Eras de la Sal area. This region, foundational to Torrevieja’s origins as a salt extraction hub sence 1776, continues to reveal valuable insights into the town’s industrial and cultural past.
Uncovering Centuries-Old History Beneath Modern Structures
Spanning approximately 4,400 square meters, the excavations have confirmed the existence of a lime mortar pavement directly laid over bedrock before the construction of the industrial saltworks. Such findings establish a timeline predating the documented salt industry that shaped the city’s development over the past two centuries.
During the digs, specialists evaluated the preservation status of various pavements and contemporary structures near the bus interchange area. Notably, earlier layers under the former Grupo de Empresa building revealed pavements dated before 1776, pointing to the area’s deep historical roots. These findings support proposals for either full or partial preservation and potential musealization of key structures, including the northern wall of the “Era Grande” and the lime mortar floors.
Investment and Project Details
The archaeological efforts are part of a larger renovation project for the Fábrica de Hielo (Ice Factory) and adjacent buildings, totaling an investment of €6,458,852 (VAT included). Of this, over €283,000 has been specifically allocated to archaeological work managed by specialist company Arpa Patrimonio.
| Project Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Archaeological Site | Eras de la sal, Torrevieja |
| Excavation Area | 4,400 m² |
| Funding for Archaeology | €283,000 (VAT included) |
| Total Renovation Budget | €6,458,852 (VAT included) |
| Contracted Company | Arpa Patrimonio |
| Project Duration | 24 months of monitoring and work |
Historical Context and Conservation Status
Torrevieja’s salt industry has played a defining role in shaping the city since the 18th century.The Eras de la Sal area, including the “Era Grande” and “Era Superior” zones, housed salt extraction and processing facilities, rail tracks for salt transport, and infrastructure tied to historic industrial operations.
Archaeological campaigns started with earlier digs between 2021 and 2022, which uncovered foundational bases for control towers, crane supports, and the northern boundary wall of the Era superior saltworks. Underneath,pavements from the 19th and 20th centuries correspond to the salt transport routes using wagons and horse-drawn carriages.
while the Eras de la Sal site is registered as a Local Heritage Asset (Bien de Relevancia Local – BRL), it currently lacks official protection under the broader Valencian Cultural Heritage Inventory or Torrevieja’s General Urban Plan. Preservation efforts are ongoing to better protect these historically significant remains amid urban development.
Future Plans: Monitoring and Preservation
The archaeological contract includes monthly cleaning and monitoring of the saltwork structures for the next two years. This ensures that the site maintains its integrity during ongoing renovations of the Ice Factory and surrounding precinct.
Additionally, experts have committed to detailed photogrammetry and 3D registration of key architectural and archaeological elements to aid long-term conservation and potential exhibition opportunities.
Why This Matters for Torrevieja
- Cultural Importance: The Eras de la Sal area encapsulates the history of salt extraction that shaped Torrevieja’s identity and economy.
- Historical Layers: Discoveries reveal multi-century human activity, infrastructure, and transport linked to salt production.
- Urban Development Balance: Archaeological work complements city modernization while safeguarding heritage.
- Investment in Heritage: Special funds reflect recognition of the site’s importance and commitment to protecting it.
Such careful archaeological management highlights torrevieja’s dedication to preserving its past while planning for the future, ensuring that stories from centuries ago remain visible and accessible to locals and visitors alike.
Reported by: Torrevieja Local News
Sources:
- Información - “Derribo de grupo de empresa saca a luz arqueología en las Eras de la Sal, Torrevieja” – informacion.es