The 3rd Century AD Roman remains near the lighthouse in Torrox Costa are considered to be some of the most archeologically important ruins along the Málaga coast, yet they have been sadly neglected through administrative and financial problems.
There are the thermal springs near the old nursery school, the cemetery beneath the viewpoint and the old ovens used for making ‘garum’, a sort of fish paste enjoyed by the Romans, at the start of Ferrara Playa.
Residents in the area have long complained about the state of the site, with rubbish everywhere, especially as it is a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC).
The Council has had plans to renovate, preserve and conserve this part of the town’s historical heritage but has apparently been beset by both administrative and financial problems.
Now, finally, the Council is hoping to start work on the area at the beginning of 2011. A grant has been forthcoming under the Plan for Sustainable Tourism, with the Council set to receive 70% of the estimated €624,000 budgeted cost of the project, and they hope to put out to tender the first phase of these works, valued at €153,000, before the end of this year.
The first phase, which could start in January if all goes well, involves erecting fencing in the area and installing the necessary sanitation.
The second stage will involve renovating the old lightkeeper’s house and turning it into an interpretation centre.
According to the Council, they had problems with obtaining the necessary permission for the work from the Department of Culture as well as being unable to raise the remaining 30% of the funding until the budgets had been finally approved.
It is almost one year since it was decided to do something about this important site.