Exploring Melilla, Spanish Morocco, Spain - 11 September, 2025

Exploring Melilla, Spanish Morocco, Spain - 11 September, 2025: https://youtu.be/RqKdfQgFYAk . Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city located on the north coast of Africa, bordering Morocco and facing the Mediterranean Sea. It occupies a small area of approximately 12 square kilometres and is one of two Spanish territories on the African continent, the other being Ceuta. Melilla’s geographic position gives it strategic significance and a distinct cultural and political character shaped by both European and North African influences. The history of Melilla extends back to antiquity. The site was originally settled by Phoenicians and later came under Roman influence. In 1497, Melilla was captured by the Crown of Castile, and it has remained under Spanish control since that time. Over the centuries, the city developed as a fortified outpost, with extensive defensive walls and military structures built to protect it from external threats. Many of these fortifications remain visible today, particularly in the old town area known as Melilla la Vieja. Melilla’s population is diverse, reflecting its complex history and location. The city is home to communities of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu backgrounds, and this diversity is reflected in its religious buildings, languages, and cultural practices. Spanish is the official language, but Arabic and Tamazight are also widely spoken. The coexistence of different cultural traditions is a defining feature of daily life in the city. Economically, Melilla has traditionally relied on public administration, trade, and the military. Its status as a free port and special tax zone has shaped local commerce, particularly cross-border trade with Morocco. While this trade has fluctuated due to political and economic changes, public sector employment remains a major source of income for residents. The city also has a growing focus on services, education, and small-scale industry. Melilla’s urban landscape combines historic and modern elements. The old fortified city contrasts with newer districts developed during the 20th century. Melilla is particularly notable for its collection of early 20th-century modernist architecture, influenced by Catalan Modernisme. Several buildings were designed by Enrique Nieto, a student of Antoni Gaudí, contributing to the city’s distinctive architectural heritage. Transport connections link Melilla with mainland Spain. The city has an airport offering regular flights to cities such as Madrid, Málaga, and Almería, and ferry services connect it with Spanish ports across the Mediterranean. Despite its small size, Melilla functions as a fully integrated part of Spain, with representation in the Spanish parliament and the use of the euro as its currency. Overall, Melilla is characterised by its unique geographic position, layered history, and cultural diversity. Its role as a Spanish city in North Africa continues to shape its identity, governance, and relationship with both Spain and its neighbouring region. If you like my films and you’d like to support my film-making then you can tip me here on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/stuartmoss . All tips are VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. Would you like £15 off of your next hotel booking with Booking.com? if so please click on this link to make your booking: https://www.booking.com/s/9bbbc531 This film is a Moss Travel Media production – http://www.mosstravel.tv If you liked this film, please subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/stuartmoss in order to receive updates of my future film uploads. If you like my travel films, you may also like my Moss Home and Garden channel, which is themed around cooking and gardening, you can find that here: www.mosshomeandgarden.co.uk You can also find my travel films and photography updates on the following social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mosstravel **please like my Facebook page** Instagram: stumoss - https://instagram.com/stumoss/ Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/mosstraveltv/ Twitter @mosstraveltv or https://twitter.com/mosstraveltv YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/stuartmoss I hope that you enjoyed this film and will return again in future, your support is really appreciated, by subscribing above you will be kept informed of my travel updates and new films uploaded. Thank you and bon voyage!