The striking architecture of the town is an impressive sight. Whitewashed houses are scattered across the rock which is dominated by an Arab Castle, 110 metres above sea level. A walk around the different areas of the old town provides the opportunity to discover monuments and places steeped in history in addition to botanical and scenic landmarks.
A tour through the Old town
ARAB CASTLE
The existence of a fortification has been known since the 10th century. Although the layout corresponds to the construction built during the Nasrid period, the Arab castle was the result of combined Moslem and Christian architecture. The inner area comprises the former Nasrid fortified palace and the outer areas served as military defence structures and were built by the Christians at the end of the 15th century. There are outstanding views of the fertile plain, coastline and mountains from the towers and battlements. As night falls, the floodlit castle is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andalusia.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
The 16th century Mudejar style church was built on the site of the Moslem mosque. The original roof was constructed with a coffered ceiling made of wood and was destroyed in a fire in 1821. The interior was subsequently rebuilt. The High Altar is situated in the upper part of the church and this area leads to the vestry and the tower. The lower section contains the raised choir stalls which are supported by a simple frame work of wooden beams. The entrance door is decorated above with ornate tiles and the tower is turreted in typical Mudejar style. The holy image of the Virgin of the Rosary is 16th century. The church square was used as a cemetery until 1789.
N.B. – Mudejar is a style of architecture and ornamentation in Spain using bricks, ceramic and stucco, created by Moslem craftsmen living under Christian rule.
This passageway or tunnel vault connected the Albaycin to the former Medina, the centre of all commercial activity. The opening on the left hand side is the only secondary point of access to the fortified town which remains and was used to bring in goods and provisions.
The vault is a semicircular structure and part of the old fortified wall was used to build the Bóveda (tunnel vault). The date of construction is unknown but in all probability it was built in the 16th century to provide a site for Our Lady of the Rosary Church and its respective atrium.
The first known settlers on the headland lived on this side of the hill (3000 – 2000 BC). Built in the 1970’s, the promenade enjoys a beautiful position surrounded by gardens with diverse varieties of shrubs, flowers and palm trees. Impressive views of the mountains, valley and fertile plain planted with vegetables and tropical fruit trees.
VIEWPOINT ENRIQUE MORENTE
At a height of 98 metres, the vantage point offers outstanding panoramic views of the sugar cane plantations, the village of La Caleta, beaches, cliffs and the Chaparral Sierra. A memorial to one of the most important 20th century Spanish musicians heads the place.
VIEWPOINT EL POSTIGO
Its name owes its existence to a secondary gateway into the fortified town in the Middle Ages formerly known as Postigo del Mar (gateway to the sea) since it led directly to the port and beach. Nowadays, it is an observation point overlooking the northern sector of Salobreña with panoramic views of the hills and valley.
BROCAL QUARTER
It was here in the Middle Ages, that the perimeter walls of the town were built. The only remains left are of one of the towers, “El Torreón”. The lower part of the Brocal quarter was built outside the fortified walls and was known as “arrabales” hence the name of the street “Arrabal Villa”. Its buildings and winding streets are well worth a visit.
ALBAYCIN QUARTER
Area located next to the fortress and around which the population dwelt. The Christian cemetery was relocated here between 1788 and 1898 when the present cemetery was inaugurated. At a height of 98 metres,
LA FUENTE PARK
Garden of plants and flowers with a pond. Slide area and children playground. The sculpture represents the sugar cane harvest, grown in salobreña from the 12th century but today disappeared.
EL PEÑON
El Peñon is a sea rocky promontory 130 metres wide an 20 metres high above the sea level, nowadays joined to the promenade. In prehistoric times it was an island located five hundred metres from the coastline.
It boast a special historic interest. Its archaeological site has been affected to the north by the construction of a concrete platform and by rock mining during the sixties. The archaeological excavation of 1992 yielded pottery objects from the Prehistory to the Middle Age, and physical remains of a Phunic – Roman sanctuary from the 2nd – 1st centuries BC., remains of fish salting trays and several burials with a chronology subsequent to the 4th century AD.
CASA ROJA
The house was built in 1905 by the owners of the ancient San Francisco Sugar Cane factory. A polygonal tower with spire centres the façade. Its interior keeps all the splendour and style of its period. Nowadays it holds local government offices and hte AMrtin Recuerda Foundation, illustrious Spanish writer, National Prize of Theater, who lived and died in Salobreña.
SUGAR CANE FACTORY
Azucarera del Guadalfeo or Nuestra Señora del Rosario sugar cane refinery was built around 1860 – 1861. It was one of the more than a dozen sugarcane refineries scattered through the region, when this crop covered the fertile plains of Granada coastline.
It had to be closed due to the reduction in sugar cane cultivation. The last crop of sugar cane was in 2005. This facility has been cataloged as Andalusian Heritage Property, due to its historical value.
TOWN HALL
Built in the 20th century. It is the administrative center of the local services. Inside the building has paintings of 1900.
The cementery was built in 1898. The construction reflects the urban style of Salobreña, with white walls and Grenade’s pavement style. Here Jose Martin Recuerda is buried, Spanish writer deceased in 2007. Doctor in art, playwright, winner of Lope the Vega theater price and Spanish literature professor in many american universities. His last years he lived in Salobreña. In Casa Roja is Martin Recuerda foundation.
TOURIST OFFICE
Salobrena Tourist office belongs to the tourist offices network of Andalucia. We offer information about Salobreña, province and Andalucia region, with practical guides about cities, destinations, provinces and natural and national parks.
AUDIOTOUR
Si nos visitas, recuerda que puedes apoyarte de nuestra audioguia diseñada para hacer tu visita más completa.
ITINERARIO
Abierto casi todo el año, el Castillo de Salobreña es una visita obligada. Consulta aquí el itinerario.
CASCO ANTIGUO
El Centro Histórico está formado por barrios construidos en el interior de la desaparecida Muralla.
