Cuevas del Conventico, Melilla, Cave system in Melilla la Vieja district, Spain.
Cuevas del Conventico is a cave system with three distinct levels carved into rock and containing multiple interconnected chambers overlooking coastal cliffs. The structure includes sleeping niches and passages that connect smaller rooms throughout the lower reaches.
The caves began as natural grottoes used by Phoenicians and Romans, then were expanded by Spanish forces in the 18th century. These modifications were made to store military supplies and provide shelter during attacks on the settlement.
The first level has two intersecting chambers that once served as a chapel, providing a sacred space where residents could gather for worship when danger threatened the settlement.
The caves are explored through narrow passages and different levels, so sturdy shoes and caution are necessary. It is best to visit early in the day since lighting depends on natural openings and navigation becomes harder as daylight fades.
The cave system preserves small sleeping niches that soldiers carved into the stone, each just large enough for one person to rest. These intimate details reveal how daily life unfolded for those seeking refuge in these quarters.
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