Description
Medinas, fortified cities and fascinating beaches: the
treasures Moroccan tradition and architecture revealed in a visit to the
spectacular cities of Azemmour and El Jadida.
What we will see
Azemmour: medina
El Jadida: Sidi Bouzid beach, fortified
city, Church of the Assumption
Portuguese Cistern
What we will do
* We leave the port and head south in the direction of
**Azemmour**, the old capital of the Moroccan region of Doukkala and an
important port in Roman times. We take advantage of our stop in the centre to
go for a walk in the **Medina**, the historical nucleus of the city.
* Once
back on our coach we proceed in the direction of **El Jadida**, a city on the
Atlantic coast that was seized by the Portuguese in 1502. * Along the famous
**Sidi Bouzid beach** we come across an impressive **fortress** , with five
bastions, which commands a view of the city and the ocean. Previously known
as Mazagan, the city developed in the beginning of the 16th century around a
fortified castle. In 2004 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an
exceptional example of cultural exchange between Europe and Morocco. Inside
the city walls there are old Portuguese houses with their characteristic
pilaster strips and pretty wrought iron balconies, and the mosque minaret,
next to the now deconsecrated **Church of the Assumption**, built on the
remains of a pentagonal watchtower.
*As we walk up the main street we come
across the **Portuguese Cistern**: once forgotten, it was rediscovered by
chance in 1916. A ray of light illuminates the centre of this underground
chamber with five rows of columns supporting the ceiling; a magnificent
setting that has been used as a film set for a couple of cinematic
masterpieces such as Orson Welles's 'Othello' and Arthur Joffé's
'Harem'.
* After a delicious lunch at the nearby Hotel, we have some free time to **stroll and relax on the beach**.
* On the way back
to Casablanca we stop for some shopping either in a souvenir shop or a
typical herbalist shop.