Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

Map

The Medina of Essaouira (Formerly Mogador): A Unique Blend of European and African Architecture

The Medina of Essaouira, previously known as Mogador, is a captivating example of a well-preserved late-18th-century fortified town located along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, this enchanting city offers a unique blend of European and North African architectural influences that have shaped its rich history and culture.

More to come…

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Essaouira is an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context. Since its foundation, it has been a major international trading seaport, linking Morocco and its Saharan hinterland with Europe and the rest of the world.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion ii Essaouira is an outstanding and well preserved example of a late 18th century European fortified seaport town translated to a North African context. Criterion iv With the opening up of Morocco to the rest of the world in the later 17th century Essaouira was laid out by a French architect who had been profoundly influenced by the work of Vauban at Saint-Malo. It has retained its European appearance to a substantial extent.

Encyclopedia Record: Essaouira

Essaouira, known until the 1960s as Mogador, is a port city in the western Moroccan region of Marrakesh-Safi, on the Atlantic coast. It has 77,966 inhabitants as of 2014.

Read more on Wikipedia