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History of Torrox
Torrox was settled in the time of the Phoenicians and Greeks trading
in olives, figs and wines. It rose in importance with the Romans
as Caviclum, producing Garum a sort of anchovy fish paste.
After the Romans, the Visigoths occupied the area until the arrival
of the Moors in the 7th century. They called the town Torrus or
Turrux, meaning Town defended by towers.
The Moorish occupation had a huge influence on Torrox, introducing
a new way of agriculture, terracing of the land and irrigation
still in existence today.
The Moors produced silk materials supported by the silk worm from
the mulberry tree, artisanal products, sugar cane, figs, almonds
, vines much of which is important to the area to this day.
As with the rest of the area, war visited Torrox with the conquering
of Spain by the Christians and the defeat of the Moors. Torrox
suffered in the Moorish uprising and in 1487 was awarded the title
of “Very Noble and Loyal Village”
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Torrox recovered its
importance and various palaces were constructed as well as
the Customs and Treasury for business overseas. The castle
of Torrox was destroyed in the Napoleonic wars.
In the Christmas of 1884 an earthquake befell Axarquia and
this brought a visit from the King at that time Alfonso X11.
In this time the sugar cane started to be widely produced
and factories called "ingenios" were constructed
for production of sugar as well as molasses, honey and liquors.
The cultivation of sugar cane began to decline in the
second half of the 20th century and other sub tropical
products such as avocados and mangoes came to prominence
in the agricultural
industry.
Now tourism is the leading industry in the area. |
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Larger Image
Around Torrox Pueblo various plaques
depict events from the town’s history. |
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