Melilla Lighthouse, Lighthouse and viewpoint in Melilla, Spain.
Melilla Lighthouse is a white structure about 12 meters tall standing on top of a fortress wall, dominating the city's skyline. The structure sends out a flashing light that helps ships safely enter and leave the harbor.
The lighthouse was built in 1894 and belongs to the structures that shaped Melilla's growth as a modern port city. It came into being during a time when Spain was strengthening its presence on the North African coast.
The lighthouse sits on the fortress walls of the city, showing how Melilla joined its maritime and military functions together. This location blends Spanish and North African building styles at a border town where two regions meet.
The structure sits at the harbor entrance and can be viewed from the waterfront or from the fortress walls. The best time to visit is in the morning when the light and the view of the strait are especially nice.
The lighthouse is unusual because it was built directly into the fortress walls of the city rather than standing alone. This makes it a rare combination of a maritime and military structure.
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