Thursday 8th of December International friends of Lux Mundi, Fuengirola joined a 4 day excursion to the World Heritage City of Melilla situated on the North Africa coast.
In Melilla five different cultures (Christian, Muslim, Hebrew, Romany and Hindu) coexist in perfect harmony, making a city with an incredible variety of shades, difficult to find in other parts of the world.
On the first day the coach drove to the port of Motril where the group joined the very well appointed, comfortable ferry for the 4 and a half hour journey across the Mediterranean to the port of Melilla. It was a calm crossing and as the ferry approached Melilla, it was early evening and in the darkness the lights of the coast and city were very picturesque. After checking in to the Rusadir hotel, which is situated very close to the beautiful España Square, the nerve centre of the city, there was free time to admire the Christmas lights, stroll to the Plaza de las Culturas, where some of the group entered the Melilla la Vieja fortress to see the floodlit, live Nativity and also time for dinner.
The second day after breakfast, the friends were joined by the English speaking guide Pedro for a walking tour of the 15th Century, Historical and Artistic Site of Melilla La Vieja (Melilla the Old) also known as “El Pueblo” and the Citadel, which is a commanding fortress perched on a crag which sticks out into the Mediterranean. Here they visited the excellent presentations of the museums of Archaeology & History, Ethnographic and Historical Military. Walking through the narrow streets to the natural caves and passages of Conventico where from December 1774 and March 1775, during a terrible seige the religious images, families, military and religious authorities took refuge from the bombardment. They also admired the beautiful coastline and the surrounding city and hills; it was a very interesting and informative tour.
The rest of the afternoon and the following day were free to make a return trip to the fort, nativity, walk through Hernández Park, the port or the many Plazas and the newer part of the city which was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and after Barcelona has the most important modernist and art deco buildings designed by Enrique Nieto; a disciple of Antonia Gaudi, who designed much of Barcelona and other architects. There was also time for shopping and enjoying the food of the many International restaurants famous for the local Moroccan and sea foods.
The final day after breakfast the group joined the mid-day ferry for the return journey and as it was day light they could admire the port, ancient fort of Melilla and the varying coastline of North Africa, some were also lucky enough to see dolphins. They then joined the coach at Motril for the drive back to Fuengirola. All agreed that this had been a very successful excursion. Lux Mundi, Fuengirola would like to thank all the friends who supported the excursion, which enables the Centre to continue with its Charitable Work and we look forward to seeing you all again at out various events and excursions.
