Melilla, Spanish autonomous city in North Africa
This Spanish autonomous city sits on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, connected to mainland Spain by ferry and air routes. The settlement covers twelve square kilometers with a port, an airport, and dense urban development between the mountains and the sea.
Spanish forces captured the settlement in 1497, turning an old Phoenician and Roman trading post into a fortified Mediterranean stronghold. Over the centuries, it remained under Spanish administration and later became an autonomous city with its own statute.
Four faith communities shape daily life, with Catholic churches standing near mosques, synagogues, and a Hindu temple throughout the neighborhoods. In the markets and streets, you hear Spanish, Tamazight, and Darija blending together, while local festivals and food habits mix traditions from each group.
Direct flights from several Spanish cities and ferries from Málaga, Almería, or Motril reach the city year-round. When crossing, expect wait times at the Moroccan border, especially during peak hours and weekends.
A multilayered border structure separates the urban area from the Moroccan hinterland and shapes the city's outer appearance in a noticeable way. This boundary runs along the entire perimeter and remains visible from many parts of town, especially from higher neighborhoods.
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