The salt and the sea are the inseparable elements which have marked
the history and determined the present-day reality of Torrevieja. At
the beginning of the last century there was only a watch-tower, the
old tower and a few houses. In 1802 the La Mata salt-flat offices moved
to the present site, bringing about the rapid urbanisation of the former
Torrevieja. The proximity of the slat-flats and it being an exporting
port both of salt and the horticultural produce of La Vega Baja led
to the growth of port and town, which gained its independence from Orihuela
in 1820.
Today it produces about a million tons of salt, mostly exported, making
it the prime European salt-producer. The International Competition of
Habaneras and Choirs, of International Tourist interest, is held in
homage to the people of Torrevieja who traded with Cuba, the former
Spanish colony and homeland of the Habaneras which the sailors sang
on their return. Salt and sea are the two inseparable elements that
have marked the history and determined the present-day circumstances
of Torrevieja.
At the start of the 19th century in the town's current location there
was only a watchtower, an old tower and a handful of houses. In 1802
the administration of the Mata salt-flats transferred to its current
location and brought about the rapid urbanization of Torrevieja. The
proximity to the salt-flats and its position as a port exporting salt,
fruit and vegetables produced in the Vega Baja of the Segura River resulted
in the rapid development of the port and the city. It gained its independence
from Orihuela in 1820.Today it is one of the leading European producers
of salt, with approximately one million tonnes each year, mainly for
export.
