Palace of the Assembly

The Palace of the Assembly houses the seat of government of Melilla, a Spanish exclave on the northern coast of Africa. Standing on Plaza de España, it is home to the Assembly of Melilla, the legislative body that runs this autonomous Spanish city.

What is the story behind the building?

City authorities wanted a headquarters that reflected Melilla's standing as a busy port and administrative gateway between Europe and Africa. The commission went to Enrique Nieto, an architect who spent most of his career in Melilla and left his mark on much of its early 20th-century cityscape. The foundation stone was laid in 1938, but construction dragged on for over a decade, and the building was finally inaugurated in 1950.

What architectural style does it belong to?

The Palace of the Assembly leans toward Art Deco, blended with touches of the Modernista style that shaped much of central Melilla in the early 1900s. Its façade mixes clean geometric lines with decorative flourishes, making it one of the more recognizable buildings within the city's historic architectural ensemble. Together with neighboring structures, it forms part of Melilla's protected historic urban complex.

What is inside the palace?

Several rooms of historical significance sit behind its façade. The best known is the Salón Dorado, a formal hall that holds a painting depicting the Spanish arrival in Melilla. This room is occasionally opened for official events and special visits, though the building's primary role remains administrative rather than that of a conventional tourist attraction open daily to the public.

Has the building changed over the years?

Yes. A new clock was installed on the façade in 1992, one of the more visible updates to its exterior. A bigger test came with the 2016 earthquake, after which the building needed repair and conservation work. Despite these interventions, it has kept the layout and character that Nieto originally designed.

Why is it worth seeing during a visit to Melilla?

The Palace of the Assembly is one of the defining landmarks of central Melilla and a natural starting point for exploring the surrounding Modernista district. Plaza de España, where it stands, gathers several buildings sharing a similar aesthetic, making it easy to take in the city's distinctive early 20th-century architecture in a short walk. Melilla itself, as a Spanish exclave bordering Morocco, has a singular urban character where European Art Nouveau and Art Deco sit alongside North African influences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Palace of the Assembly? The building was designed by Enrique Nieto, the architect behind much of Melilla's Modernista architecture.

When was the building completed? The foundation stone was laid in 1938, and the palace was officially inaugurated in 1950.

What is the building used for today? It serves as the seat of the Assembly of Melilla, the city's legislative body, and hosts meetings of the local government.

Can visitors go inside? The interior, including the Salón Dorado with its painting of the Spanish arrival in Melilla, is occasionally opened for special events, but on a daily basis the building functions as an administrative office rather than a public attraction.