Explore Melilla on two routes

Melilla is the Spanish city with the most Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, after Barcelona. You can see hundreds of examples on the streets, elegant façades appearing one after another, with curved forms, floral and plant motifs, wrought iron and stained glass. The origin of this rich heritage was the architect Enrique Nieto, a student of Gaudí, who revolutionised the city’s architecture when he introduced this style in the early 20th century.

This route lets you see how different religions live side-by-side peacefully in Melilla as you visit the main houses of worship of the city’s four religious communities: Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus. This multicultural experience also gives you a chance to discover the traditions and ceremonies of the different religions, courtesy of the communities themselves.The first point on the route is the Church of La Purísima Concepción , in the Romanesque style, the oldest church in the city. It continues with the Art Nouveau synagogue Or Zoruah (Holy Light), notable for the blend of Caliphate and Nasrid motifs on its façade. Next is Zawiya al-Alawiya mosque, built with the express authorisation of King Alfonso XIII. Finally, the guided tour ends at the Mandir Hindu Temple, the only Hindu house of worship in Melilla.The tour is taken by bus on Sunday morning. It must be booked at least three days in advance at the Melilla Tourist Office, with your contact information. To take the tour, at least 6 people must have reserved a place.