Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New Town
Construction of the new part of town, west of the fortress, began at the end of the 19th
century. Laid out by Gaudí-disciple Don Enrique Nieto, Melilla is considered by some to
be Spain's 'second modernist city', after Barcelona. The highlight is Plaza de España,
with the lovely facade of the Palacio de Asamblea facing Parque Hernández.
At the turn of the 20th century, Melilla was the only centre of trade between Tetouan
and the Algerian border. As the city grew, it expressed itself in the architectural style of
Modernisme (not to be confused with the cultural movement of modernism), which was
then in vogue. This trend continued locally even after it went out of fashion elsewhere.
The result is a living museum of hundreds of Modernist and art deco buildings. Unlike
Ceuta, many of these treasures have yet to be dusted off, but the overall architectural
wealth is greater.
The best way to appreciate this heritage is to stroll through the area to the north of
Parque Hernández; it's known as 'the golden triangle'.
Plaza de España
Several fine examples of the city's heritage are on the Plaza de España, including Nieto's
With its central fountain, the plaza is a pleasant place to sit. At the centre is an art deco
military monument to campaigns in Morocco. In the distance you can see Melilla's most
striking contemporary building, the new courthouse (closed to visitors), which looks like a
flying saucer landed on the roof.
LANDMARK
NOTABLE BUILDING
Palacio de Asamblea
Nieto's art-deco Palacio de Asamblea, whose floor plan depicts a ducal crown, is an oper-
ating town hall, although the staff at the entrance are willing to show tourists around upon
request. Worth seeing are two rooms on the upper floor:
Salon Dorado
, which contains a
large painting of the arrival of Spaniards in Melilla in 1497, and the
Sala de Plenos
, where
the local congress meets.
Parque Hernández
PARK
