Tourism in Essaouira

Essaouira is a wonderful Moroccan city that was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site years ago. It is characterized by its stone towers, historic walls, wonderful beaches, and old city. It is also characterized by its simple white houses, beautiful squares, and handicrafts. In addition to the most delicious seafood dishes, let us learn through this article about a group of entertainment places and tourist attractions that the city of Essaouira is famous for.

Essaouira is located in the western Moroccan economic region, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, on the Atlantic coast, 173 km north of Agadir, 174 km west of Marrakech, and 406 km south of Casablanca. The city has a major touristic status due to its geographical location between two of the most beautiful touristic areas in Morocco, Agadir and Marrakech. Its climate is hot in the summer and moderate in the winter. Essaouira is also famous for its strong winds, which is why it is called the city of winds. These winds allow surfers to enjoy their sport on its beaches.

 The economy of the city of Essaouira 

is largely dependent on the fishing sector, as this sector is considered one of the oldest economic sectors in the city. Its fish wealth has contributed to attracting marine fishing companies from all over the world, and created many job opportunities for traditional fishermen in the region, in addition to the traditional industry, as the juniper wood engraving sector is one of the most important sectors in the city, and the tourism sector, which is considered one of the most important sectors in the city because it contains an abundant number of tourist, historical and religious landmarks that attract visitors in large numbers, especially in the summer, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, which witnesses the presence of tourists from everywhere, in addition to the picturesque sea beaches that attract tourists to practice marine sports.

 History of the city of winds and seagulls 

Essaouira was previously called Tamuzika according to the historian Herodotus, then its name became "Mogador", and according to some historians the origin of the name goes back to the Amazigh name "Amkdoul", then the Portuguese changed it to "Mogador", meaning the city of the wall or the fortress, after that it was named Essaouira meaning the painting and the drawn picture.

Different ancient civilizations passed through the city: Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and then Islamic. The city of Essaouira was founded mainly during the Alaouite era, which dates back to 1760 AD, when the Alaouite Sultan Sidi Mohammed bin Abdullah established the port of Essaouira to enhance foreign trade with Europe, so it became a meeting point for all African caravans and trade exchange. One of the priorities of the Alaouite Sultan was to fortify the city, and for this reason he sought the help of the engineer Theodore Corneille, an expert in building military forts, who designed the city. The European character prevailed, especially in Saqala, which was built on the ruins of the Portuguese fort. He also surrounded the city with walls and made the streets in the Andalusian style, which is clearly evident in the Bab Marrakesh and Bab Al Bahr forts, the Portuguese church, and the ancient mosques in the city, the most important of which are the Kasbah Mosque, the Grand Mosque, and the Charradi Mosque.

The city of winds and seagulls consists of a group of historical landmarks, the most important of which are the Kasbah and the old city, which contains a group of specialized markets, then the Mellah, the famous Jewish quarter, which is considered one of the most important historical landmarks in the city. Its establishment dates back to the sixteenth century AD when it was built by Sultan Ahmed Mansour Al-Dhahabi, in addition to the ancient walls, Bab Al-Bahr, the port and city polishing, Bab Marrakesh Fort, the Kasbah Mosque, and some old churches, the most important of which is the Portuguese Church, which was built by one of the most prominent European merchants at that time. We will discuss these landmarks in detail.

 Tourist places in Essaouira 

 Wonderful beaches 

The city of Essaouira has a group of wonderful beaches that are the focal point of entertainment in the city, which is visited by many tourists from all over the world to practice various water sports, especially since the winds on these beaches are ideal for surfing, water skiing and rowing. A few kilometers south, towards the road to the city of Agadir, you can enjoy the small islands, in addition to a unique beach, which is Sidi Kaouki Beach, which is located about 25 km from the city. You can also ride camels along the beach and relax and enjoy the view of the ancient city and its historical walls, and the beautifully engraved wooden doors.

 Historical Walls 

One of the most beautiful tourist and historical landmarks in Essaouira, it was built in the year “1765” with European military engineering similar to the walls found in other Moroccan cities, to protect the city from any foreign attack. These walls are characterized by containing some towers and five gates opening on the four sides, the most important of which is Bab Al Bahr, and it witnesses a wide turnout by visitors throughout the year.

 Bab Al Bahr, Saqala Al Mina and Al Madina 

It is the historical gate of the city and is also called Bab Al Marsa. It was built during the reign of Sultan Mohammed bin Abdullah. It is distinguished by its unique design and beautiful engravings that top the facade of the gate. It was built in the year “1184 AH - 1770 AD”. Nearby we find “Saqala Al Mina”, which is distinguished by its prominent strategic location. It is a special place for the military and they used it in the past to store weapons and ammunition.

As for Saqala Al Madina, it is a 200-meter-long building, bordered on the sea side by balconies with bronze cannons in addition to two towers on the eastern and western sides. It is located in the northwestern corner of the city of Essaouira, and is distinguished by its European architectural style. It consists of a rectangular square formed by a warehouse for military equipment and a watchtower topped by another tower.