Melilla has a population of around 65.000; peoples of four distinctive cultures living together, who, without relinquishing their own sense of identity, are enriched through their daily contact with each other.

We could say that there are four different Melillas: the Christian, the Muslim, the Jewish, and the small Indian Melilla.

In fact, there is only one Melilla, which, in an atmosphere of perfect harmony, offers the visitor an incredible variety which is difficult to find in other parts of the world. And above it all towers Mount Gurugú.

If we can speak of four different Melillas in one, we can also speak of four different types of Melillan inhabitants. The Christian Community, the most numerous, returned to the city in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Spanish. The Muslim Community, the majority of which are of Berber extraction, is the second largest presence, dating back to the 7th Century. The Jewish, or Hebrew, Community dates back to the 14th Century, and is the third largest in the city. Lastly, the most recent arrivals, and least populous, is the Indian Community. Together they form one Community which surprises the visitor with the calm conviviality found in the different ambiances of Melilla.

Only in Melilla is it possible to wander surrounded by such diverse peoples, some with Indian features, some with Jewish, some wearing the typical robes of the Berbers, others dressed in the Arab jellaba.
This wealth of cultures is reflected not only in the people of Melilla, but also in the streets of the city, where we find mosques and churches, and the more surprising sight of synagogues and temples of other religions.

On the borders of the 'Golden Triangle' (the streets of the 'Heroes of Spain' neighbourhood) are the buildings housing the most unusual places of worship in Melilla, one for each of the religions and cultures represented in the city. The neo-Romanesque Church of the Sacred Heart is a free-standing building with three naves, the work of the architect to the Bishop of Malaga, Fernando Guerrero Strachan.

The Synagogue of Or Zoruah (Holy Light), is a three-storey building designed by the architect Enrique Nieto in 1924, and is one of the most spectacular Jewish places of worship in Melilla.
Despite being the least numerous of the inhabitants of the city, the Indian community does not go unnoticed, with both their cuisine and their discreet yet open manner drawing the visitor's attention. The Hindu Oratory may be visited by prior appointment with its custodians.

Last but by no means least, we have the Central Mosque, situated in the 'Polígono' area of the city. Standing opposite the Synagogue, the Mosque was also designed by Enrique Nieto, in 1945, and is one of the temples adding most to the city's exoticism.

A tour of these places of worship can also include visits to other religious buildings, with their architecture reflecting the cultural diversity of Melilla.