Torremolinos will rebuild one of the gazebos of the historic English Castle

The former Santa Clara barracks, located on Punta del Morro in Torremolinos, was first transformed into a residence by a wealthy British magnate, George Langworthy, who also donned a uniform. Later, it became a hotel which, in popular imagination, became known as the Castillo del Inglés (The Englishman's Castle).

This accommodation was a pioneer in the tourism of the Costa del Sol. Nothing remains of that establishment, although the natural monument on which it was built—a spectacular promontory that separated La Carihuela and Bajondillo until the extension of the promenade—and the history are still there. With the goal of commemorating this landmark, the City Council has launched a project to construct a wooden gazebo, recreating one of the original proto-beach bars, which, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean, were one of the attractions of Langworthy's guest house.

"This proposal aims to give greater weight and visibility to the main tourist and cultural attractions of Torremolinos," states the tender document for these works opened by the local administration. The construction project for this structure has already been drafted by architect Gabriel Ángel Liébana Roldán, supervised by the municipal technicians of the Urban Regeneration Area.

The idea is to provide residents and visitors with a new point of interest along the coastal strip, evoking the original gazebos, on a rocky elevation next to the coastal boulevard; it will be accessible and will have information panels about the original castle and the subsequent hotel establishment.

Tourist Municipalities

The intervention will be funded by the Junta, through a line of aid reserved for tourist municipalities of Andalusia. Interested companies have until 23:59 on the upcoming June 4th to submit bids, as detailed on the Public Sector Contracting Platform, where this file is registered. The execution period planned for erecting the gazebo is 3 months, and the budget, including taxes, is 62,859.50 euros.

The City Council also plans other works for the promenade area, such as those announced to provide shade, through the installation of vegetated pergolas, on Bulto, Carmen, and Mar streets and Remo and Chiriva squares, along a total route of 1.2 kilometers. The budget for this is around 400,000 euros.

Place of Freedom

Punta del Morro was chosen for a defensive battery in the 18th century. Subsequently, George Langworthy acquired the military enclosure. From that moment, this part of the municipality has a very interesting history linked to famous tourists. For example, this site is the setting for the first graphically documented topless event in Spain. The protagonist of this event was Gala, the partner and muse of the brilliant Salvador Dalí, in 1930, during her stay at the Englishman's accommodation. A sculpture commemorates this act. Picasso and Luis Cernuda were also guests here. These vacations inspired the story 'The Indolent', set in the Torremolinos of the time.