Visiting the south of Spain can mean much more than knowing the continental Andalusia. Melilla surprises for history, architecture and flavors, but not always comes in traditional vacation scripts. It is on the other side of the Mediterranean in the north of Africa, and holds cultural traits of four distinct civilizations.
The city of Melilla is a Spanish enclave on the African continent. It is connected by air and sea to several cities, such as Madrid, Malaga, Seville and Barcelona, according to the Spain Info portal.
It is an autonomous city, with European currency and Spanish public services, where the euro and the Spanish coexist with mint tea and Specialties of Maghreb.
A fortress with several levels
According to the same source, one of the city’s main sights is “Melilla La Vieja”, also known as La Ciudadela. This fortified zone began to be built in the fifteenth century on a rock formation that advances over the Mediterranean. Over time it was shaped by several cultures, which resulted in a set of four rooms, separated by pit, with views, surveillance towers and historical buildings.
Baluarte de la Concepción and former Del Rey hospital are only two examples of the architectural importance of the place, underlines the same source. Part of the historic zone is currently occupied by the tourist parador, a hotel unit installed in the former Fort.
Gaudí left mark, even without having been there
Melilla is the second Spanish city with the largest number of modernist buildings. This identity is due to the work of Enrique Nieto, a disciple of Gaudí, who settled in the city in 1909. Its features are visible in curved facades, floral motifs and decorative elements that contrast with the straight lines of classical architecture.
The so -called “gold triangle” concentrates many of these buildings, such as the Assembly Palace, the Melul House or the Reconquest Building. Menéndez Peloyo Square completes this set, which is worth walking.
Flavors with cross -cross
The city’s gastronomy is marked by four main influences: Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu. According to Spain Info, this diversity is present in dishes ranging from couscous to “Morunos brush” to fried fish slaps, squid or shrimp. The fish pastel, made of tumoril and seafood, or the pastry, stuffed with chicken and covered with cinnamon and powdered sugar, are some of the examples of this fusion of flavors.
Meals are often accompanied by green tea with mint, a berber heritage that is part of the local daily life.
Without internal borders, but with external care
Melilla is linked to Spanish territory by sea and air. Those who travel from continental Spain to Melilla do not need to undergo border controls, as explained by the site.
The citizen card is sufficient to enter the city. However, if the visitor wants to cross the land border to Morocco, he will have to be subject to customs controls.
During the vacation periods, warns the same source, the lines can be time consuming, so it is advisable to plan with time and avoid higher schedules.
A European city with African soul
Melilla’s uniqueness is in the balance between two worlds. It is European in the political system, language and currency. But it is geographically situated in Africa, surrounded by another culture, another religion and other landscapes. It is this cross that gives it such a distinct identity.
Its border location has generated tensions and challenges, but also enables rare cultural richness, visible in architecture, kitchen and local traditions.
A destination outside the ‘obvious’
Although not one of Spain’s most advertised destinations, Melilla offers various types of experiences. From tours through the old walls, to the discovery of modernist buildings, through dishes that mix the Mediterranean and the skinny, there is a long time to find out.
Direct flights from various Spanish cities make the practical visit and affordable prices of meals or local products may surprise those who get there.
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