Fuerte de Victoria Grande, Military fort in Melilla, Spain.
Fuerte de Victoria Grande is a fort in Melilla featuring a distinctive seven-sided layout defined by sturdy stone walls and brick construction. A triangular courtyard sits at its center, with vaulted chambers and corner chapels positioned throughout its perimeter.
The structure was built in 1736 by military engineer Juan Martín Zermeño as a defensive stronghold for the region. It later served as a civil prison from 1919 to 1996, a role that shaped its internal layout and function during much of the 20th century.
The fort is now part of the protected historical ensemble of Melilla's Old Town and serves as a landmark that residents and visitors recognize as central to local identity. Walking through it, you experience how a military structure has become woven into the fabric of everyday urban life.
Following extensive restoration completed in 2013, the fort is fully accessible for visitors to explore at their own pace. The stone gates and corner chapels are straightforward to navigate, making it easy to see the building's architectural details.
The fort received an international prize in 2015 for its innovative lighting design, specially created to enhance the nighttime appearance of the structure. This modern approach to illuminating a historic building shows how contemporary methods can reinterpret spaces without altering their original character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
