Melilla history

The history of Melilla is rooted in deep antiquity. The city was founded by Phoenician seafarers in approximately the 7th century BC and originally bore the name Rusadir. Even then, it was a thriving settlement, which later came under the sphere of influence of Carthage, and subsequently became part of the Roman Empire. A crucial milestone in the city's chronicles was the year 1497, when an expedition commanded by Pedro de Estopiñán annexed this territory to the Spanish Crown, marking the beginning of its modern stage of development.

The transformation of Melilla into a significant centre was driven by several reasons:

• Geography: Its location on the Tres Forcas peninsula provided natural protection and convenient access to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Strategic Importance: The city developed as a powerful fortress controlling maritime routes and the coastline, which facilitated the construction of impressive defensive structures.
• Trade: The port served as a vital hub for the exchange of goods between Europe and Africa.

The economy of early Melilla was built on maritime trade, fishing, and resource extraction. From the very beginning, the city's cultural identity formed as a unique fusion of traditions. Over time, the Phoenician and Roman heritage organically intertwined with Spanish culture, creating the foundation for the diversity for which the city is renowned today.

Key Dates in the History of Melilla

• 7th Century BC — Phoenician seafarers establish the trading post of Rusadir on the site of the modern city.
• 42 AD — The settlement becomes part of the Roman Empire, receiving the status of a colony in the province of Mauretania Tingitana.
• 927 — The city is conquered by the troops of the Caliphate of Cordoba by order of Abd al-Rahman III.
• 1497 — An expedition under the command of Pedro de Estopiñán annexes Melilla to the domains of the Spanish Crown.
• 1687 — A large-scale reconstruction of the fortress walls and bastions begins to strengthen the city's defences.
• 1774 — The garrison of Melilla successfully withstands a one-hundred-day siege by the troops of the Sultan of Morocco.
• 1860 — Signing of the Treaty of Wad-Ras, which officially consolidated the expanded boundaries of the city.
• 1863 — Melilla receives free port status, giving a powerful boost to the development of trade and the economy.
• 1909 — Architect Enrique Nieto arrives in the city; the flourishing of the Modernist style in Melilla's architecture is linked to his name.
• 1995 — Adoption of the Statute of Autonomy, granting Melilla the status of an Autonomous City within Spain.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The development of Melilla is a story of the transformation from a military fortress into a modern multicultural centre with unique architecture and economy. Key milestones that defined the current appearance of the city include:

• Introduction of the Porto-Franco Regime (1863). The granting of free port status became a turning point for the economy. Exemption from customs duties attracted entrepreneurs and capital, turning the closed garrison into a bustling trade hub connecting Europe and Africa.
• Urban Expansion and the "Ensanche" (Late 19th Century). The expansion of the city beyond the ancient fortress walls allowed for the creation of new residential quarters with a regular layout. This decision marked the beginning of the formation of the modern urban landscape with wide avenues and squares.
• Architectural Flourishing of Modernism (Early 20th Century). The arrival of architect Enrique Nieto radically changed the visual appearance of the streets. The massive construction of buildings in the Art Nouveau (Modernisme) style made Melilla the second city in Spain by the number of monuments from this era, turning it into an open-air museum.
• Industrialisation of the Port (1910s). The construction of the monumental mineral loading terminal (Cargadero de Mineral) and the development of the mining industry in the region gave a powerful impulse to the port infrastructure, making it the foundation of the city's economic stability for many years.
• Institutionalisation of Multiculturalism. The formation of a unique social model based on the equal recognition of four cultures (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu) became a vital humanitarian achievement, defining the atmosphere of tolerance and distinctiveness of the city.
• Obtaining Autonomous City Status (1995). The new administrative rank granted the local government broad powers in matters of budget management and urban planning, which allowed for the launch of large-scale programmes to modernise the urban environment and improve the quality of life.

Urban Structure: Two Cities in One

The architectural landscape of Melilla is unique in its duality. The city is clearly divided into two historical-urban zones, each representing a separate era and philosophy of development:

• Melilla la Vieja (Old Melilla): A monumental fortress on a rocky promontory, formed from the 16th to the 18th century. This is a classic example of military engineering, where priority was given to defence.
• Melilla la Nueva (New Melilla): The "Ensanche" (expansion) district, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, a regular block layout, wide streets, and civil architecture focused on aesthetics and comfort predominate.

Eras and Architectural Styles

Melilla is considered one of the main centres of Modernist architecture in Spain (second only to Barcelona), yet its appearance is formed by a blend of several significant styles.

Renaissance and Military Baroque (16th–18th Centuries)

The Old City represents a complex system of four defensive rings, separated by moats and connected by tunnels. The architecture here is austere and functional, but not devoid of grandeur.

• Characteristic Features: Massive stone walls, bastions, vaulted gates, use of local limestone.
• Iconic Sites:
  • Gate of Santiago (Puerta de Santiago): A striking example of Gothic architecture transitioning into the Renaissance.
  • Royal Hospital (Hospital del Rey): An 18th-century building demonstrating features of civil Baroque.
  • Peñuelas Warehouses: An example of utilitarian architecture of the 18th century.

Modernism (Early 20th Century)

The golden age of Melilla's architecture is associated with the name of architect Enrique Nieto, a student of Antoni Gaudí. It was he who brought Catalan Modernism to the African enclave, adapting it to the local context.

• Characteristic Features: Rich floral ornamentation on facades, curved lines, use of wrought iron, stucco moulding with female faces and flowers, vibrant ceramics.
• Iconic Buildings:
  • Palacio de la Asamblea (Palace of the Assembly): A majestic administrative building in Art Deco style with elements of Arab architectural heritage.
  • Casa Tortosa: A residential building distinguished by elegant balconies and intricate decor.
  • The "Reconquista" Building (Edificio La Reconquista): One of the most recognisable examples of geometric Modernism.

Eclecticism and Art Deco (1930s)

As the city developed, Modernism gave way to stricter and more geometric forms. Architects began to mix historical styles with new trends, creating a unique hybrid look for the central streets.

• Characteristic Features: Simplification of decor, emphasis on vertical lines, aerodynamic forms, symmetry, use of concrete.
• Iconic Sites: The Monumental Cinema building (Cine Monumental) — a vivid example of the transition from Modernism to functional Art Deco.

Sacred Architecture

Religious structures occupy a special place in urban planning, reflecting the multicultural character of the city. Here, Neo-Gothic churches (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus), synagogues (Or Zaruah in Modernist style), and mosques with elements of Maghrebi architecture (Central Mosque) coexist, creating a unique city silhouette.

Historical Figures and Creators of the City's Image

Melilla, being a crossroads of cultures, has given the world talented artists, sportsmen, and outstanding historical figures. Their contributions shaped not only local history but also influenced Spanish culture as a whole.

• Pedro de Estopiñán (c. 1440–1505)
  Military Commander and Conquistador
  A key figure in the city's history. As a commander in the service of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, it was he who led the expedition of 1497 that annexed Melilla to the domains of the Spanish Crown. His strategic success defined the European vector of the city's development for centuries to come.
• Enrique Nieto y Nieto (1880–1954)
  Architect
  A student of the great Antoni Gaudí who moved to Melilla and became the chief city architect. It is thanks to him that the city acquired its unique appearance in the Modernist style. Nieto designed hundreds of buildings, including the famous Palacio de la Asamblea, turning the city into an open-air museum of architecture.

Figures of Culture and Sport

• Fernando Arrabal (born 1932)
  Playwright, Novelist, and Film Director
  One of the most provocative and renowned Spanish writers of the 20th century, born in Melilla. Founder (together with Alejandro Jodorowsky) of the Panic movement ("Pánico"). His surrealist and avant-garde works brought him global fame and numerous international awards.
• Miguel Fernández (1931–1993)
  Poet
  An outstanding man of letters whose work is closely tied to his hometown. For his collection "Eros y Anteros," he was awarded the National Poetry Prize of Spain. A prestigious international literary prize has been established in Melilla in his honour.
• Javier Imbroda (1961–2022)
  Basketball Coach and Public Figure
  A native of Melilla who became a legend of Spanish sport. For many years, he coached the country's leading clubs and the Spanish national basketball team, leading it to medals at the European Championship. He also held important posts in the fields of education and sport in the regional government of Andalusia.