Casa de los Cristales, building in Melilla
Casa de los Cristales is a hotel and residential building in Melilla featuring a striking glass facade combined with Arab design elements. The structure includes broad arched windows, decorative columns with Arab motifs, four small interior courtyards for ventilation, and a distinctive half-moon shaped staircase with ornate column details inside.
The building was constructed between 1922 and 1927 as a luxury hotel and served as a symbol of wealth and progress in Melilla. By the 1930s it was converted into apartments and shops, and later underwent repairs and renovations to maintain its structure and adapt it for contemporary use.
The building reflects a blend of Arab and modern design influences that mirror Melilla's unique cultural position. Visitors notice this mix in the arched openings, decorated columns, and expansive glass balcony that fills the interior with natural light.
The building is located in an accessible area near the city center on Calle General Prim. Visitors should allow time to explore the exterior facade and the entrance hall with its distinctive staircase to fully appreciate the architectural details.
The building gets its name from the extensive glass surfaces covering its facade, which make it glow like a luminous object, especially in sunlight. This glass application was a daring choice in the 1920s and reflected the progressive spirit of architecture at that time.
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