Melilla (Citadel)
The citadel of Melilla dates from 1497, although it stands on the site of a Moroccan casbah (an Arab fortified town) and incorporates the Arab water cistern.
Over the centuries the fortifications were expanded, with the creation of several lesser castles adjoining this one or sitting within the protection of its cannons, but until the late 19th century there were no dwellings outside the citadel. It therefore became known as "el pueblo" - the village.
