Panteón de los Héroes, Melilla

The Panteón de los Héroes is a stone funerary structure within the Purísima Concepción Cemetery containing numerous wall niches for burials arranged in organized rows. The building features interior galleries and a circular design topped with a bronze statue, with views toward Mount Gurugu.

King Alfonso XIII laid the foundation stone on January 7, 1911, with funding gathered through a nationwide appeal. Between 1929 and 1949, remains were transferred here from temporary burial grounds that had served Spanish military forces in the Moroccan Protectorate.

The memorial features a bronze statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, holding symbols of honor and martyrdom atop the circular structure.

The mausoleum is accessed via an esplanade shared with the Monte Arruit Monument, then climbs a two-part staircase to the entrance. The site sits within the cemetery grounds and is walkable from the town center, though the steps may require some effort.

The underground structure contains remains transferred from provisional cemeteries of the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco between 1929 and 1949.

Location: Melilla

GPS coordinates: 35.30023,-2.93911

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42