Melnika

Melnika is a town and commune in the fictional country of Valoria, located in the Valorian Highlands along the Meln River. It serves as the administrative center of the surrounding municipality and acts as a local hub for commerce and services.

The name Melnika may derive from a regional settler name or from a word meaning "river bend" in local dialects. The town sits at about 320 meters above sea level, with a temperate climate featuring mild winters and warm summers. The surrounding countryside is characterized by farmland, mixed forests, and scattered vineyards.

Evidence of settlement dates to the 12th century, with peri-urban growth linked to the construction of a regional road network in the 19th century and a railway that opened in the early 1900s. The town expanded modestly in the late 20th century and maintains a compact historic core.

As of 2021, Melnika had a population around 3,000. The economy centers on agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and regional services. Tourism is driven by historical architecture, a riverside promenade, and annual harvest events.

Notable sites include the 15th century St. Mary's Church and the Municipal Museum. The town is connected by a regional road network and a light rail line linking it to larger cities. Local governance operates under a mayor-council system.