Located on the edge of the iconic Balcón de Europa in Nerja, an area generally considered to be the centre of the town, is the 17th century Church of El Salvador – Iglesia El Salvador. It is close to what was once the old Guards Tower.

The original church was erected in 1505, although the existing structure was not actually built until much later, in 1697, and it was then further extended during the period 1776 – 1792. It is constructed as a three-naved cross, the central area covered with a wooden framework of paired braces, the sides featuring vaulted edges at the ends and half barrel vaults with windows in the remainder.

On the front of the church are two quite large and typical ceramic tile plaques, one detailing the history of the church, the other a colourful religious scene. The exterior features a four-sided bell tower, originally built in 1724 but later reformed. An ornate Rosas clock also adorns the bell tower.

Rosas clocks have been around since 1881 and adorn many monuments and buildings in Andalucia and, indeed, throughout Spain, including the belltower of the iglesia El Salvador in Nerja. In 2006, to preserve the craft, the company Campanas y Relojes Rosas was formed.

The Rosas company not only produces clocks, but also bells, lighting and other items for monuments.

In front of the church is a huge Norfolk Island Pine, brought to Nerja from South America at the beginning of the 20th century.

The interior is noted for its 18th century frescoes decorating the Evangeline nave and the contemporary mural of the annunciation by the painter Francisco Hernandez.