Museums and galleries in Melilla
7 museums and galleries in Melilla, from the big collections to small independent spaces.
Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.
Museums and galleries in Melilla
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Clock House Museum
Museo Casa del Reloj
The Torre de la Vela, commonly known as the Casa del Reloj (House of the Clock), is an ancient watchtower with an attached barracks, located in the Spanish city of Melilla. It was built as a defensive structure to provide a vantage point over the surrounding area. Today, it remains one of the city's most iconic landmarks, offering spectacular views of both Melilla and the Mediterranean Sea. The tower's clock, which has become an important symbol of the city, is a notable feature of its design. The Torre de la Vela holds great historical significance and continues to attract visitors with its blend of military history and architectural beauty.
Tue-Sun 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00 during spring and summer; 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00 during autumn and winterFree
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Conventico Caves and Museum of Sacred Art
Its construction dates back to the 18th century. The Torre de la Vela was primarily used during times of danger, serving as a refuge for the local population, religious images, and as a place to hold Mass. There was even a bread oven within the tower. This multi-functional use highlights the tower's significance not just as a defensive structure, but also as a place of communal refuge and spiritual importance during times of conflict.
Open Tue to Sun from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 during spring and summer; from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 during autumn and winter.Free
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King's Hospital
Hospital del Rey
Built in the 18th century within the First Walled Enclosure, in the area known as Hoyo de la Cárcel, next to the Torreón del Bonete (also known as the Lighthouse), the Museo Militar de Melilla was designed by engineers Tomás de Warluzel and Juan de Dios González in 1752. The construction began in 1758 and continued until 1775. The building served as a military hospital until 1929. After many years of closure, it was reopened in 1997 to mark the 500th anniversary of Melilla's Spanish sovereignty. Today, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the city’s military history and plays a key role in preserving the heritage of Melilla's fortifications.
Tue-Sun 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00 during spring and summer; 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00 during autumn and winter.Free
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Melilla Museum
Museum of Sephardic and Berber Archaeology, History and Ethnography
This museum showcases the military history of the city, highlighting its strategic importance throughout the centuries, particularly during the periods of Spanish colonial expansion and defense. The exhibits include a variety of historical artifacts, such as weapons, uniforms, maps, and documents, along with models and displays illustrating the military architecture and fortifications of Melilla. The museum is housed in a historic fort, which itself is part of the city's defensive heritage, making it a significant site for both history and architecture enthusiasts.
Open Tue to Sun from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 during spring and summer; from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 during autumn and winter.Free
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Melilleando Tour
Melilleando Tour offers three guided tours: 1. Fortress of Melilla Tour: A tour of Melilla la Vieja, exploring the city's military history. 2. Modernism and Art Nouveau Tour: Discover modernist and Art Nouveau architecture in Melilla’s representative buildings. 3. Museums and Amazigh Jewelry Exhibition (19th-20th Century): Visits to museums and an exhibition on Amazigh jewelry from the 19th and 20th centuries. These tours provide insight into the history, architecture, and culture of Melilla. On Facebook. On Instagram.
€10 to €50
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Plaza de Toros de Melilla
Plaza de Toros de Melilla, known as the "Mosque of Bullfighting," is an important landmark of the city, inaugurated in 1942. It is famous for its unique architecture, which blends Muslim and bullfighting styles. During the Feria de Melilla, held in September, the plaza hosts bullfights featuring prominent bullfighters and top-tier bulls, making it one of the most important events of the year. In addition to bullfights, the plaza houses a bullfighting museum and organizes various events related to bullfighting culture. The plaza stands as a cultural symbol of Melilla, where bullfighting traditions are kept alive, despite the controversy surrounding this spectacle.
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Military History Museum
Bastion of the Upper Conception
Calle de la Concepción, 3
Open Tue to Sun from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 during spring and summer; from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 during autumn and winter.Free
Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Melilla (CC BY-SA 4.0).