Old sugar mills in Nerja

Sugar cane has been one of the main sources of income for the town of Nerja . Mainly from 1585 to 1968. A total of nine sugar mills were installed in the municipality. Next, we describe the most remarkable sugar mills:

1. Ingenio de Maro

We are in front of a sugar mill built during the years 1585 and 1586. Through its installation it was intended to promote the growth of the sugar cane industry. Very widespread crops throughout the surroundings of Nerja and its district. Despite this, the mill suffered serious damage due to a fire that took place during the 70s of the 19th century. However, most of its original structure is still preserved. At present it is located in the urban area of Maro . Next to the Church of Our Lady of Wonders .

2. Ingenio San Antonio Abad

The industrial complex under the name of San Antonio Abad was responsible for the production of sugar from beet and sugar cane. The complex originally consisted of:

• The main rectangular factory building.
• Hydraulic Ferris wheel.
• Flour mill next to a bread oven.
• Houses of the administrator and the owner.
• Swimming pool.
• Warehouse for storing the strings.
• Stables.

At present, only two extensive lines of rammed earth, brick and masonry wall are preserved, the Sidro aqueduct and most of the canal and water pipes. Despite this, the factory as a whole is in really bad shape.

This complex is one of the symbols of the growth of the urban nucleus of Nerja. It brought with it wealth to give rise to both urban configuration and land structuring.

Located at the extreme right of the Chíllar River . Just when the channel crosses the town. Reference points: Castillo Alto area to the north and the N-340 road to the south.

3. San Miguel Factory

This sugar mill named as Fábrica San Miguel is one of the most deteriorated in the town. It is also known under the title Ingenio Nuevo. Its ruined state has been documented since 1880. Only the walls and a low percentage of the pipes are preserved.

To see its remains you must go to the end of the Cuesta del Ingenio. Although it is also possible to observe them from the Old Bridge.

4. San Joaquín Factory

This San Joaquín sugar factory was built and started operating in 1884. This industrial complex was dedicated to the manufacture of sugar and alcohol from sugar cane. In addition to the sugar and alcohol factories, it also consisted of 24 houses, the management house, the Aguila Aqueduct, and extensive lands for the cultivation of sugar cane. Without a doubt, we are facing one of the great factories that led to the modernization of Andalusian agriculture and industry.

The elements that are still preserved from the San Joaquín Factory are located two kilometers from the urban center of Maro (heading west). At the moment the ships of the main building of the factory, the pond, the chimney and the accessory ships are conserved.

5. San José Factory

The San José Factory is located next to the Chíllar River . Near its mouth at Playa El Playazo. Currently, some of the factory facilities are used for teaching purposes (El Chaparil High School). For this, the Maple House and the Molasses Room were recovered. Other areas were also demolished to give rise to the construction of the institute.

This sugar factory was founded in 1870. It was closed in 1968. Its rehabilitation project began in 1985, after its sale for two and a half million pesetas in 1976.

The old factory chimney has become one of the symbols of this institute in the town of Nerja.