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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.

Address: Plaza de Armas, 3
Price: Free
Website: melillamonumental.es (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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Fosso del Hornabeque Monumental Complex
Foso del Hornabeque
The hornabeque was a defensive feature designed to strengthen the fortifications of Melilla by creating a more complex and secure layout. It played a key role in enhancing the city's military defenses, which were essential in protecting the city from external threats during the period. The construction of the moat and the bridge further solidified Melilla’s position as a fortified stronghold.
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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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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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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: