Ciudad de Melilla: The Complete Guide
Melilla is an autonomous Spanish city located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordering Morocco. Spanning an area of 12.3 km², it is one of the two permanently inhabited Spanish cities on the African mainland, the other being Ceuta. Until March 14, 1995, Melilla was part of the Province of Málaga, after which it received its Statute of Autonomy.
Historically, Melilla was a free port before Spain’s entry into the European Union in 1986. As of 2011, the city had a diverse population of 78,476, comprising ethnic Iberian Catholics, ethnic Riffian Berbers, along with smaller communities of Sephardic Jews and Sindhi Hindus. Spanish, the official language, and Riffian-Berber are the most commonly spoken languages here.
Like Ceuta, Melilla is also claimed by Morocco.
History of Ciudad de Melilla
Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city with a rich and complex history, reflecting its position on the north coast of Africa and its proximity to Morocco. Here’s a brief overview of its historical timeline:
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Melilla’s history dates back to ancient times when it was known as Rusadir, a Phoenician trading post. It later became part of the Roman Empire and was known for its strategic maritime position. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area came under the control of various North African Berber kingdoms.
Spanish Control
In 1497, Melilla was conquered by the Spanish, under the command of Duke of Medina Sidonia. This was part of a broader Spanish and Portuguese strategy to control the shipping routes in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Melilla served as a military outpost and a trading center under Spanish rule, and its fortifications were heavily fortified over the centuries to fend off attacks from neighboring Moroccan tribes.
19th and 20th Centuries
In the 19th century, Melilla became increasingly militarized, particularly as tensions rose between European colonial powers and Moroccan forces. The city was also a focal point during the Rif War in the early 20th century, a conflict between Spanish colonial forces and the Berber tribes of the Rif region.
In 1912, following the establishment of the French and Spanish protectorates in Morocco, Melilla became part of Spanish Morocco. The city remained under Spanish control even after Morocco gained independence in 1956.
Modern Era
On March 14, 1995, Melilla’s autonomy was officially recognized, and it was granted a statute of autonomy similar to that of other Spanish autonomous communities. This statute defines its institutions of government and gives it a degree of administrative independence.
Today, Melilla is known for its multicultural population, which includes Christians, Muslims, and a small Jewish community, reflecting centuries of diverse influences. The city is also noted for its unique blend of modern Spanish architecture and traditional Moroccan styles.
Melilla, like its sister city Ceuta, remains a subject of territorial dispute with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the Spanish enclaves. Despite these tensions, Melilla continues to thrive as a vibrant, culturally rich city at the crossroads of two continents.
Visiting Ciudad de Melilla for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ciudad de Melilla on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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