Melilla bullring, Second-class bullring in Melilla, Spain.
The Plaza de Toros de Melilla is a circular bullring with traditional Spanish arena architecture. The venue accommodates different types of events beyond classical bullfighting.
Built between 17 January 1946 and 6 September 1947 to designs by Alejandro Blond González and his team, the ring opened with a corrida on 8 September 1946; Manolete was billed but had died at Linares days earlier. The site on the former Cerro de San Lorenzo had revealed a necropolis of the 1st–2nd centuries BC.
The bullring belongs to the historic ensemble of Melilla and represents architectural traditions maintained in this North African city. The design shows how Spanish elements integrate with local influences.
The location is easily accessible on foot and centrally positioned in Melilla, allowing access to nearby attractions. Visitors should note that the event schedule varies by season.
The bullfighting critic Gregorio Corrochano nicknamed it "the mosque of bullfighting", a name still used. It is the only bullring still active in Africa, among eight on the continent. A plaque honouring the bullfighter Juan José Padilla was unveiled on 6 September 2018.
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