Historian and fine arts doctor Sergio Boj Bri has registered an application with the Generalitat to protect archaeological remains south-west of Los Náufragos beach in Torrevieja. The proposed Site of Cultural Interest would cover the coastal strip between the beach and La Veleta, alongside Desiderio Rodríguez Avenue, because of its archaeological, historical and ethnological value.
The site is a former sandstone quarry measuring about 350 metres along the coast and around 20 metres wide. Part of it extends into the sea. Researchers have identified extraction blocks, longitudinal grooves and cutting grids in the rock. The quarry is listed in the 2022 Underwater Archaeological Map of Alicante, published by the MARQ.
The evidence resembles Roman coastal quarrying, but researchers say the date cannot be confirmed because similar methods continued until the end of the Middle Ages. The application suggests that at least some activity took place in the fifteenth century, possibly supplying sandstone for watchtowers and other buildings. Boj also believes some stone may have been used in the El Acequión canal, built before 1482.
The application warns that rubbish, vandalism, looting and urban pressure could damage the little-known site. It also calls for the remains to be studied, protected and brought to public attention. Boj has separately sought Site of Cultural Interest status for the El Acequión canal, a request that is still being processed.
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.