Churches in Nerja First built in 1505, the El Salvador church is one of the oldest buildings in the town but it was not until 1697 that the structure of the church as we know it today was erected. The church is located in the heart of the old town, just a few metres away from the famous Balcón de Europa. The church is also near the Castillo bajo and the remains of the Guards tower. Further extensions of the church were made during 1776 and 1792. As many churches not only in this part of Spain, the El Salvador has the shape of a cross. In the central area you will find wooden framework. The ends of each side have vaulted edges and large windows. But before going inside the church you should examine the exterior. Here you will find a reformed and four sided bell tower which dates back to 1724. Once inside the building you can admire the 18th century Granadine frescoes which are beautifully decorating the Evangeline nave. Another highlight inside the church is the wonderful mural of the annunciation which was drawn by Francisco Hernandez - an Azarquian painter.
Chapels in Nerja The wonderful Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias was built in 1720. The single nave construction is covered with a half canon vault and has a very simple exterior. Uncovered brickwork, a small exposed belfry and half point arches can be found here. A semi spherical vault can be found in the main chapel where also fascinating frescoes can be seen. The frescoes show the four evangelists by the Granada school.
The Coastal Defense System The costal defence system in the area of Nerja used to be one of the best in the region. Today, when entering the town at Punta Lara, you will be able to see the Torre de Macaca which is set on a small cliff. The tower is made of stone and dates back to 1497. It is 12 metres high and has a circumference of 23 metres. Another tower used to be located at the Chillar River, near the Torrecilla beach. Today only remains, the Torrecilla tower used to protect the in the San Antonio Abad sugar mill working men, back in the 16th century. During the War of Independence in 1812, the Torrecilla tower as well as the Castillo Bajo and the Torre de las Guardas which was situated at the Balcon of Europa were destroyed by English bombings.
The Eagle Aquaduct Built in the 19th century, the El Acueducto del Aguila is one of the most beautiful aqueducts to be found in the region. It can be found on the cliffs of Cazadores de Maro and Barranco de la Coladilla and can be accessed easily from the main coastal road that is running along the seafront of the Costa del Sol. It was Francisco Cantarero who supervised the construction of this beautiful bridge that is made of four storeys with a total of 38 arches. Those interested in the architecture will be able to admire the superimposed brick arcades that make this aqueduct to such a beautiful construction. The principal façade is facing inland - away from the sea - as the main road used to run on this side of the bridge. Today we can still see the entrance templates that can be found on the top storeys. A central template is reading "Pura y Limpia Concepción" which means "Pure and Clean Conception". In former times the façade used to have a gallery of pointed, blind horseshoe arches which was typical for the Mudecar style. Unfortunately this decoration can hardly be seen anymore. The San Joaquin Sugar Mill was the reason why the aqueduct was built in the first place. It was the main water supplier to the factory and the sugar cane plantations and mills that could be found in the area. Even though the factory is not longer open, the aqueduct remains used by communal irrigators.
