Central Mosque of Melilla
Melilla
The Central Mosque of Melilla, located in the modernist district on GarcĂa Cabrelles street, is the main mosque of the Spanish city of Melilla. Constructed between 1945 and 1947 according to architect Enrique Nieto's 1938 design, it was inaugurated on September 7, 1947. The mosque is part of Melilla's historic and artistic heritage and is recognized as a cultural asset. Architecturally, it features a concrete structure with solid brick and local stone walls. Its exterior showcases horseshoe arches on doors and windows, balconies with balustrades, stepped crenellations reminiscent of the Al-Nasir Mosque courtyard in Cairo, and a distinctive square minaret topped with polylobed arches and a dome. Inside, the mosque has a prayer hall with separate entrances for men and women, ablution facilities, a Turkish bath at the front, and commercial spaces on the ground floor. The upper floor houses educational facilities, including the Adult Education Center Carmen Conde Abellán. The mosque was remodeled and reinaugurated in 1994, enhancing the prayer hall, ablution areas, and access points. It stands as a unique example of Moorish Revival style in Melilla, reflecting the city's cultural diversity and Islamic heritage within a Spanish context.
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Tip: Visitors should consider exploring the mosque during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details. It is advisable to check opening times in advance and respect prayer times and visitor guidelines. Booking guided tours or visiting during cultural events may enrich the experience. Modest dress is recommended when visiting religious sites.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque's minaret features polylobed arches and a dome, inspired by Islamic architecture such as the Al-Nasir Mosque in Cairo.
- •The mosque integrates commercial spaces and a Turkish bath within its ground floor layout.
- •It is part of Melilla's conjunto histĂłrico artĂstico, a designation for cultural heritage sites.
- •The mosque was designed by Enrique Nieto, a notable architect known for modernist and Moorish Revival works in Melilla.
History
The Central Mosque of Melilla was constructed between 1945 and 1947, designed by architect Enrique Nieto, a prominent figure in modernist architecture.
It was officially inaugurated on September 7, 1947, by the Spanish high commissioner in Morocco and Lieutenant General José Enrique Varela.
In 1994, the mosque underwent significant remodeling, including the prayer hall, ablution rooms, and access areas, and was reinaugurated by Melilla's mayor Ignacio Velázquez Rivera.
The mosque reflects Melilla's Islamic cultural presence and stands as part of the city's historic and artistic heritage.
Place Guide
Exterior Façades1945-1947
The mosque's façades feature horseshoe arches on doors and windows, balconies with balustrades, a frieze, cornice, and stepped crenellations echoing the Al-Nasir Mosque's courtyard in Cairo. The corner portal is crowned with a dome above polylobed arches.
Minaret1945-1947
A square tower ending in a body of polylobed arches topped by a dome, serving as the mosque's minaret, a distinctive architectural and religious feature.
Prayer Hall1945-1947
Located at the rear on the ground floor, the prayer hall has separate entrances for men and women from the sides, featuring traditional Islamic architectural elements.
Turkish Bath and Commercial Spaces1945-1947
The front ground floor houses commercial shops and a Turkish bath, blending religious and social functions within the mosque complex.
Upper Floor Educational FacilitiesPost-1947
The upper floor contains rooms that formerly housed the CEIP Mediterráneo school and currently serve as the Adult Education Center Carmen Conde Abellán.