Centro de Interpretación de Melilla la Vieja

About the museum

The Centro de Interpretación de Melilla la Vieja, known as CIMLaV, is an initiative of the Autonomous City of Melilla, promoted by the Fundación Melilla Ciudad Monumental. It occupies the Torreón de las Cabras, a defensive structure transformed several times since the 16th century, and opened in April 2012. It originated in the renovation of the tower, during which defensive structures hidden beneath layers of earth came to light.

The exhibition explains how the city's fortified enclosures were built and how they evolved. In the middle of one room, rising among the remains of the earthwork, stands an original stretch of city wall, preserved from its foundations; around it, the history of Melilla's walls is presented as a “living museum” of the art of fortification. Panels, models, reproductions of old plans and audiovisual material show the transition from medieval fortification to the bastion system.

The centre has two levels: the upper one, entered from Cuesta de la Florentina inside the walls, and the lower one, at the height of the lift landing. It is a good starting point before exploring the four fortified enclosures.

Highlights

• Original stretch of city wall preserved in the middle of the room
• History of Melilla's fortifications in panels, models and audiovisual material
• Reproductions of historic plans of the city
• Torreón de las Cabras building with visible defensive remains
• Good starting point for visiting Melilla la Vieja

Permanent exhibition

• Historia de las murallas y los recintos fortificados de Melilla – Exhibition on the construction and evolution of the fortifications, with an original stretch of city wall, panels, models, historic plans and audiovisual material.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla – Fundación Melilla Ciudad Monumental

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Torreón de las Cabras has a lift connecting the centre's two levels. The lift in Melilla la Vieja operates every day from 07:45 to 23:00.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Melilla la Vieja has a free on-demand transport service (Monday to Friday 08:00–20:00 and Saturdays 08:00–15:00), and the Melilla la Vieja lift at the Torreón de las Cabras (Cuesta de la Florentina, no street number; every day 07:45–23:00).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit