Eras de la Sal

The Eras de la Sal are the old salt-loading complex of Torrevieja, built in 1777 at the most suitable point for shipping salt extracted from what was then a coastal lagoon. Piers, jetties and drying platforms formed a system designed to move the salt harvest onto the boats that distributed it around the Mediterranean, at a time when salt was one of the town's main sources of income.

From industrial site to cultural venue

The complex lost its original purpose over time and remained state property until 21 March 1997, when it was transferred to Torrevieja town council. A restoration followed, focused on recovering the loading pier and the hopper used to load salt onto barges, with the rebuilt wooden trestle inaugurated on 27 July 2001.

The stage for the Habaneras

Today the site, known as the Conjunto Histórico Monumental de las Eras de la Sal, functions as an events venue. One of its courtyards holds a "tornavoz," an acoustic shell under which Torrevieja's International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest is held each year, declared of International Tourist Interest. The contrast between the restored stone and timber and the space's contemporary use as a music venue is part of what makes the visit worthwhile.

Entry is free, and the site sits a short walk from the Museo del Mar y de la Sal, which fills out the city's salt history, and from the Dique de Levante. It is worth visiting outside concert days to appreciate the architecture without the crowds.