Habsburg and Bourbon Spain

Melilla

Today: Spain

Years: 1497–1833
Role: Fortress town of the Crown of Castile in North Africa

Melilla, taken by Pedro de Estopiñán on 17 September 1497 for the Crown of Castile, had its defences in ruins at the time. In 1498 the Asiento de Alcalá de Henares authorised the rebuilding of the city and its fortifications, which grew into the four enclosures of Melilla la Vieja. It endured the siege by Sultan Mohammed III from 1774 to 1775, defended by Marshal Juan Sherlock.

What to see today

Melilla la Vieja: Fort, c. 1497 to 1800
Aljibes de las Peñuelas: Archaeological site, 1571
Fuerte de Victoria Chica: Fort, 1734 to 1778
Fuerte de Victoria Grande: Fort, 1735 to 1736
Museo Histórico Militar de Melilla (Baluarte de la Concepción Alta): Fort, 1669 to 1773
Museo de Melilla (Almacén de las Peñuelas): Public building, 1781
Cuevas del Conventico: Archaeological site, 18th century

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