A process for high-pressure, liquid phase conversion of urea into melamine is disclosed, where molten urea is fed to a first reaction zone (S1) where the melamine melt is under mechanical agitation, and a heat input (Q1) is provided to maintain the endothermic reaction, and the liquid is then passed to a second reaction zone (S2) kept at a lower temperature and where further agitation is provided. Embodiments of plants adapted to carry out the process are also disclosed, including multiple stirred reactors in cascade and a single reactor with multiple internal compartments defining said first and second reaction zones.