Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MODERNIST BUILDINGS
Melilla is the second city in Spain with more modernist and art deco
buildings. Barcelona is the first one.
These buildings are located in the called "Golden Triangle" formed by the
streets Spanish Army, Lopez Moreno, Spain Square and surroundings. (Area
formerly known as the widening (expansion)of Queen Victoria).
The architect who designed and built most of the modernist buildings of the
city is Enrique Nieto, who arrived in Melilla in 1909, after working in the
works of the Casa Mila Barcelona with Gaud.
In 1931 he was designated municipal architect
PALACE OF THE ASSEMBLY (Town Hall)
It was built between 1933 and 1948 by Enrique Nieto. It has Moorish (Arab)
towers.
Last year there was an earthquake which caused breaks in this building.
Now, it is being restored.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It was built in 1913, it was one of the first works of Enrique Nieto.
This building belonged to one of the most important economic and social
sectors of the city.
HOUSE TORTOSA
It was first a Military Commissariat, later restored by Enrique Nieto in 1914,
incorporating in its facade ornamentation naturalist and galleries, windows
and wrought iron.
BUILDING TELEGRAM OF RIF
It was one of the most influential newspapers in Melilla early twentieth
century. The building was designed in 1912 by Enrique Nieto. It has an oval
window, something very daring at the age.
BUILDING RECONQUISTA
It was designed in 1915. It has domes with squamas, the same style of
Gaudis creation in Barcelona.
SACRED HEART CHURCH (RESTORATION)
It is a church in neo-romantic style, and was restored by Enrique Nieto.
SYNAGOGUE YAMIN BENARROCH
Known as "holy or sacred light." It was designed by Enrique Nieto in 1924.
The decoration mix Caliphate and Nazari elements.
HOUSE OF CRYSTALS
It was built in 1917. Originally it was the Queen Victoria hotel where
personalities of the age were staying. With the crisis of the 30s its decline
began, and it became an office building. It is a neo-Arabic style.
BUILDING THE AQUEDUCT
It was built in 1928. Mixing classic style, art deco and modernism.
CENTRAL MOSQUE
It was built in 1945. Mix Caliphate and Nazari art and ornamental elements
from the East. It has a big dome.