The back story
Essaouira: the fortified port on the Atlantic
The late-18th-century fortified port of Essaouira, once Mogador, on UNESCO’s list since 2001.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Ahmed.magdy · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsEssaouira, formerly Mogador, is an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town built on the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context, UNESCO records; since its foundation it has been a major international trading port linking Morocco and the Sahara with Europe.
The ramparts
The medina of Essaouira was inscribed by UNESCO in 2001; its sea walls face the Atlantic.
The port
The port is still a working harbour of fishing boats.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Roquai · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsOur advice: go by coach or with a driver for the day, or stay a night for the evening light.
Why it's on our list
- The ramparts
- The port
Location
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