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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.

Address: Calle de la Concepción, 2
Hours: 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
Price: Free
Website: arteinformado.com (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Melilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Monumental Complex of the Puerta de Santiago, Plaza de la Avanzadilla, the Chapel of Santiago, the only Gothic work in Africa, the Tunnel of Santa Ana and the Cisterns of the Peñuelas
Puerta de Santiago
The Puerta de Santiago is a ravelin (a defensive outwork) that was built in 1549 by the engineer Miguel de Perea, featuring its towers and a bridge over the moat, which initially had an S-shape. In 1680, the engineer Toscano Brito made the bridge drawbridge (levadizo), and in 1699, the layout of the bridge was reformed into a straight line, following the instructions of the engineer Octavio Meni.
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Melilla la Vieja
Locally known as 'El Pueblo', Melilla la Vieja is the city's historic heart, the origin of what would later become modern Melilla. It features impressive military structures, walls, caves, and buildings of unique beauty and sobriety. The area is worth visiting during the day, offering stunning views of both the sea and the nearby Moroccan territory, just a few kilometres away. Here are some of the key sights worth visiting:
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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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Royal and Pontifical Church of the Immaculate Conception
Iglesia de la Purísima Concepción
The construction work began in 1657 and lasted for 25 years. Throughout the 18th century, various altars and altarpieces were erected, most of which are still preserved today, except for the one in the main altar, which had to be renovated and dates from 1931.
Free