The Interesting History Of Melilla, A Spanish City In Africa

Melilla, a Spanish city on the northern coast of Morocco, has an interesting history which involves colonization, uprising, autonomy and immigration.

If one visits the municipality, they may experience its past by visiting Melilla la Vieja, a 15^th-century fortress, and historically significant sites located within it. With that said, an account of the city’s past events will be valuable.

Originally colonized by the Phoenicians, who occupied the eastern Mediterranean coast from approximately 1500 to 300 B.C.E., the Berbers later acquired ownership of the land and held it until 1497, when Spain captured it.

More than 400 years later, the Spanish modernized Melilla’s port and made the city into a garrison post. Although Moroccan tribes led by Abd el-Krim almost captured the territory in 1921, Melilla survived and became the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government – a coalition of parties which was encouraged to create a common front against fascism in 1936.

When Morocco achieved independence in 1956, Spain retained Melilla as an exclave. 39 years later, it authorized rules of autonomy for the city, endowing it with similar attributes as those of other Spanish autonomous communities.

Nowadays, many immigrants try to enter Melilla to access Europe, and reports have provided information regarding inhuman treatment toward them from authorities on both the Melillan and Moroccan sides of the border.

Visitors may still travel to the city and, if they wish, tour certain sites to experience some of Melilla’s history.

Melilla la Vieja, which is one of the strongholds Spain constructed along the Moroccan littoral during the 16^th and 17^th centuries, was recently restored and contains several noteworthy historical sites and museums, including the Cuevas del Conventico and Museo de Arqueología e Historia.

The Cuevas del Conventico, caves located in the northern part of the fortress, were constructed in the 18^th century and used in dangerous times to shelter the population and religious images, as well as to officiate mass.

When entering the caves, one may see the nearby cliff through windows in the gallery. At the site’s lowest level, visitors may traverse the cross-shaped floor and descend to Cala de Trápana, a rocky beach.

Located a short walk away from the Cuevas del Conventico is the Museo de Arqueología e Historia. Comprised of two sections, with one dedicated to the history of the Amazigh, Sephardic and Gitana cultures in Melilla and another devoted to the city’s history dating from prehistoric times, the site educates guests on the town’s past. It is important to note all of the museum’s signage is in Spanish.

Melilla is a remarkable city with interesting historical sites as well as a significant past and complex dilemma with immigration. When visiting the town, an understanding of its former times and present complications is beneficial for educating oneself about its architectural and cultural elements.

As its tourism industry grows, traveling to Melilla as an informed explorer may foster respect for several of the city’s issues and a more enlightened comprehension of its sites’ unique aspects.

Ray Lewis

Content Editor Associate

Originally from New Jersey, Ray developed a passion for traveling through his adventures in Europe. He created unforgettable memories in Greece and Italy, but is looking to explore more countries in different parts of the world as well.