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Melilla

Melilla (Arabic: مليلية (Maliliyyah), Berber: ⵎⵔⵉⵜⵙ (Mřič)) is a charming Spanish exclave in North Africa, with a small surface area of just 14 km² and a population of around 85,000 inhabitants, 130 km from the Spanish mainland, in the heart of the Rif region, bordered to the east by the Alboran Sea and to the south by Morocco. The city is characterised by its cultural fusion, which is evident in its languages, cuisine, religious sites, and architecture. It is home to synagogues, mosques, and churches, alongside an exceptional variety of modernist architecture.

See
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Do
18
Eat
14
Drink
13
Buy
28

4 places match

  1. Buy

    Central Market of Melilla

    Mercado Central de Melilla

    The main market in the city, it’s a popular spot for purchasing fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, meats, and spices. It’s a lively place where visitors can experience the vibrancy and diversity of Melilla through the variety of products on offer.

  2. Do

    Christmas in Melilla

    Navidad en Melilla

    A festive season filled with activities for all ages. Highlights include the Christmas light switch-on, workshops for children, a traditional Christmas market featuring local and artisanal products, and a live nativity scene. The city celebrates the Three Kings Parade with magical floats and gifts, while the Christmas Carol Marathon fills the streets with festive music. The San Silvestre race offers a fun and sporty way to ring in the New Year.

  3. See

    Monumental Complex Plaza de Armas

    The Puerta de Santiago is accessed via a bridge over the Foso del Hornabeque (Hornabeque Moat). This area, historically known as "Villa Vieja", was where the first inhabitants of Melilla settled following the city's occupation in 1497. In ancient times, the location may have been the foral and commercial area during the 2nd century BC to 1st century AD. Archaeological remains from Punic and Roman periods have been discovered in the area. During the Medieval period, the site likely served as a local market, which is why it was later known as "Plaza de la Alaphia" (translated to Arabic as "Plaza de Paz," or "Square of Peace"). This period, spanning from the 10th to the 14th century, yielded numerous grain silos. The ceramic materials found in these silos illustrate the various historical periods of the area, including Umayyad, Almoravid, Almohad, and Nasrid eras. These findings highlight the strategic and commercial importance of the area throughout history.

    Free

  4. Do

    Renaissance Market of Carlos V

    Mercado Renacentista de Carlos V

    It is a unique annual event that transports visitors to the Middle Ages. The market is set in the historic centre of the city, featuring stalls selling crafts, medieval food products, and live performances such as theatre, music, and medieval dance. Interactive workshops on traditional crafts, medieval games, and castle-building activities for children are also organised. The atmosphere is enhanced by costumed characters and thematic decorations, making the market a cultural celebration that attracts locals and tourists.