See

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.

Address: Plaza de la Parada, 1
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: melillamonumental.es (opens in a new tab)

Directions Suggest a nearby place

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

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Close by

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.
See
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
See
Florentina Caves
Cuevas del Florentina
The caves were excavated in the 18th century as storage spaces for provisions and were later used to shelter the population in case of siege, particularly during the Siege of Melilla (1774-1775). These caves played a crucial role in the city's defense during periods of conflict, providing a safe haven for the residents and their supplies. The strategic use of these underground spaces highlights their importance as part of Melilla's military infrastructure during the time of Spanish colonial expansion and conflict.
Free
See
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: