Torre de la Vela, Melilla, Tower in Spain

Torre de la Vela, known as Casa del Reloj, is a four-storey watchtower in Melilla la Vieja's Plaza de los Aljibes, topped by a triangular pediment with a bell cast in 1686 by Francisco Melgar. A narrow two-storey building with segmental arches below and square balconies above adjoins it. Inside are the 16th-century Enramada chapel, dungeons and the 18th-century Muralla Real battery.

The tower began as a 17th-century sala de armas and was rebuilt after the siege of 1774–1775. In 1862 it became an artillery barracks, gaining a floor and housing the Junta de Arbitrios on the ground floor. Rafael Gómez Martín's restoration, executed from 13 May 1986 to 1988, converted it into the Museo Municipal de Melilla, demolishing the top floor to keep the 19th-century form.

Locals call it Casa del Reloj, though the clock name sits beside a bell cast in 1686 by Francisco Melgar, painted with the figures 6.08.192 in reference to the Monte Arruit massacre. Inside, the 16th-century chapel of La Enramada and 18th-century dungeons and Batería de la Muralla Real remain, and the building now holds art exhibitions.

The tower stands on Plaza de los Aljibes in Melilla la Vieja, reached on foot through the old town's stepped lanes. The museum rooms occupy the ground and upper floors, with the 16th-century Enramada chapel, the dungeons and the 18th-century Batería de la Muralla Real inside. Allow time for the climb and the surrounding fortifications.

The bell in the espadaña was cast in 1686 by Francisco Melgar, and the figures 6.08.192 painted on it refer to the Monte Arruit massacre. The tower also keeps a 16th-century chapel, the Capilla de la Enramada, dungeons and the 18th-century Batería de la Muralla Real inside.