Essaouira is a fascinating, Atlantic coastal port metropolis with a medieval and trendy bohemian vibe. Initially referred to as Mogadar by the Phoenician’s coming from their phrase migdol which suggests “small fortress”, Essaouira adopted its present title not that way back in 1960. Roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Marrakech, it’s the right getaway from the fast-paced huge metropolis.
The climate right here is mostly nice with loads of sunshine and funky, ocean breezes that maintain the city from overheating throughout the warmth of the summer season. Artwork, music, historical past, and seafood are Essaouira’s foremost sights and there’s a lot to see and do right here.
Skala de la Ville
These historical metropolis partitions or ramparts have been constructed by the Portuguese throughout the 18th century to guard them from being washed away by large, Atlantic waves and to behave as a protection towards pirates. It was geared up with 19 bronze cannons that may nonetheless be seen at the moment. From right here, you may absorb spectacular views of each the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It’s an awesome place to look at the sundown with the silhouettes of Mogador Island and its Purple Islands (lles Purpuraires) on the horizon conserving the wild winds at bay. The internationally common TV sequence, “Recreation of Thrones” used this location in Season 3 and also you’ll see why this makes a incredible cinematic location.
Cooperative Artisanale des Marqueteurs
Go to this woodworkers cooperative and also you’ll be mesmerized as you watch these masters craft gorgeous treasures on website. Thuya wooden is a kind of evergreen tree that’s native to Morocco. Artisans have used this wooden for hundreds of years to make ornamental containers usually inlaid with mother-of-pearl and different picket objects like furnishings. In recent times, artisans have switched to utilizing cedar or walnut wooden to protect thuya as its numbers are reducing. Thuya wooden can also be fragrant so this sensory impact enhances the great thing about the handmade murals. Decide up an genuine memento made proper earlier than your eyes.
Medina
Essaouira’s medina was constructed on a multicultural basis that which its inhabitants lived collectively harmoniously for hundreds of years. Amazighs (Berber) Africans, Arabs, and Europeans all the numerous non secular backgrounds peacefully co-existed right here and proceed to take action at the moment. This wealthy and different ethnic tapestry might be seen in every thing from textiles, ceramics, leather-based items, artwork, music, and meals. This Medina is much less intimitating than the massive cities however simply as colourful and eclectic.
The souks round listed here are filled with authentic handicrafts from kaftans (gown/tunic) to Amazigh-inspired silver jewellery and different native arts and crafts. That is additionally the right alternative to have interaction with the locals and apply your Moroccan Arabic expertise. Exit through the Bab al Bahar and it’ll take you proper to the ocean’s entrance door.
Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
At one level throughout historical past, Essaouira had one of many largest Jewish populations in Morocco. This Mellah was established by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah to guard the Jewish individuals, but in addition exploited Jewish service provider’s enterprise connections in Europe. There have been a number of synagogues within the city, however just one nonetheless operates at the moment. Immediately, only a few Jewish residents stay as many have fled to greater cities or emigrated to Israel post-1947.
Sadly, many of those buildings are in dangerous form and in determined want of restore and renovation. There are two, small synagogues which were restored and preserved as historic websites which can be open to the general public. Regardless of the vacancy and lack of exercise, many Jews make an annual pilgrimage right here in reminiscence of Rabbi Haim Pinto’s dying in 1895. As soon as the Rabbi of Essaouira, his legacy as an iconic Jewish non secular determine isn’t forgotten.
You possibly can go to Bayt Dakira (Home of Reminiscence) a museum devoted to the preservation of Jewish heritage in Essaouira. This cultural area features a temple, a library, short-term artwork exhibitions, and a cultural residence for researchers. There are additionally Jewish cultural objects on show comparable to pictures, conventional clothes, audio, and visible recordings. This is a superb approach to dig a bit deeper and be taught in regards to the cultural historical past of Jews in Essaouira.
Citadel (Fortress)
As you go by way of the mammoth arch of Bab el Mersa (the historic gate that connects the ocean to the town) you may be greeted on the port by a cluster of dynamic blue fishing boats often known as floukas. This appears like a scene straight out of an epic movie in regards to the medieval ages with fishermen unloading their each day catch of recent saltwater treasures so that you can take your decide of what’s for dinner.
Bordj El Berod
Are you up for a bit journey? Take a stroll alongside the seashore heading south from Essaouira to achieve the ruins of an historical stone watchtower that has been dubbed ‘’the fortress within the sand’’. Situated simply exterior the village of Diabat, this construction serves as a captivating piece of historical past that has been coated with layers of sand over time remodeling it right into a fossilized monument. This website serves as a dramatic backdrop for a photograph shoot and as you’re taking a more in-depth look, you’ll discover the way it magically sparkles underneath the solar.
Mogador Island (Purple Island)
When you can’t truly step foot on this island with out being granted particular permission, it’s completely price taking a ship journey round it to see all of the buzzing exercise of birds that swarm round it. Mogador Island is positioned throughout from the port of Essaouira and is a protected wildlife sanctuary that’s off-limits to the general public. It has witnessed a protracted historical past that dates again to prehistoric occasions. It was right here the Phoenicians found the murex shell and established indigo dye manufacturing utilizing the crushed our bodies of those saltwater crustaceans to extract their wonderful coloration. Later, got here the Romans who produced their prized Tyrian Purple utilizing the identical course of. Centuries of settlers got here and went integrating this island into the tradition of Morocco. All through the years, fortifications have been constructed for cover, a mosque was erected, and constructed an open-air jail.
Essaouira Seashore
Well-known for its Alize or tropical commerce winds, Essaouira Seashore is a tremendous place for watersports comparable to kiting and windsurfing. Gear might be rented from native distributors {and professional} academics are comfortable to information you alongside and train you a number of strikes. Quad biking adventures are additionally accessible if you wish to discover past the town partitions and go deeper into nature.
Artwork and Music
Essaouira is residence to many native and worldwide artists and musicians. Town additionally hosts annual cultural occasions and two main festivals. The Pageant des Alizes hosts jazz and classical musicians from all around the globe in April. The Gnaoua Music Pageant is a four-day-long occasion in June that brings collectively native and world musicians that may hypnotize your senses and make you wish to be part of the dancing festivities. You possibly can wander across the city any time of yr to browse a few of its artwork galleries that exhibit the work of native, native and worldwide artists. Escape Othello reveals work and sculptures by native artists as does Galerie d’Artwork Frederic Damgaard.
Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah Museum
Devoted to the founding father of the town, this ethnographic museum showcases a historic treasure trove of outstanding cultural artifacts that relate to the heritage of Essaouira. Housed in a former Nineteenth-century riad, the museum itself is gorgeous. You will notice fascinating relics collected from over the centuries that embody vintage musical devices, conventional costumes, ritual objects, historical pottery, jewellery, woodwork, and weapons. There’s additionally an in-depth look into Amazigh (Berber) tradition and heritage so you may be taught extra details about Morocco tradition.
Essaouira is nothing in need of magical and a visit right here will definitely refresh your creativity, ignite your creativeness, and go away you with long-lasting, unforgettable experiences.
