EL JADIDA IN MOROCCO, THE FORMER MAZAGAN

EL Jadida in Morocco, The Former Mazagan

   EL Jadida in Morocco, although relatively unknown, is a city worth visiting. Located on the Atlantic coast, a hundred kilometers from Casablanca, visiting El Jadida can be a stopover on a trip to Morocco to enjoy the beach and the charm of this small town. Accessible by train, so it's very easy to get there to visit El Jadida.

Mazagan was occupied by the Portuguese in 1506, because it was strategic by its geographical position. It was surrounded by a thick wall and became a strong bastion. The Moroccans wanted to take over the city, but it remained in the hands of the Portuguese for two centuries. In 1769, it became a Moroccan city again, when it was taken over by Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah. It had several names: Mazghan, Rusibis, El Jadida by the Moroccans, and of course, Mazagan by the Portuguese. She took the name De El Jadida and it is the name she currently carries in Morocco. It is a coastal city located a hundred kilometers from Casablanca. It is located on the Atlantic coast. Its climate is very mild, which makes it a pleasant tourist location.

The fortresses of Mazagan are part of the city of El Jadida. The center of the citadel had a room where the weapons were stored. It was transformed into a huge water tank, in order to cope with the lack of water, in the event of a siege that would last over time. Its quadrilateral room with a surface area of over 1,000 m² is maintained thanks to five rows of pilasters and arches. There is in the middle, a well, which has been drilled, so that light can penetrate it. It was rediscovered by a trader who wanted to do work in his shop. It has become a curiosity of the city by its particular Gothic architecture. It has been used in many film sets. Another still visible building is the Assumption Church, an old Portuguese church built in the Manueline character, also called late Gothic. It is no longer open to the public, but it remains one of the city's assets in terms of its history. The city "citadel" is an example of exchanges of inspiration between Portuguese civilization and European civilization.

Hunting falcons is a peculiarity in Mazagan. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. The most famous falconers come from Lakouassem and Ouled Frei. The training of falcons requires experience, availability and patience. You will be able to attend demonstrations.

Another unusual place is the Port of Jorf Fastar. It is an old fishing village whose main recipe was lobster fishing. It is now one of the largest ports in Africa, for the export of phosphate ores, Morocco being the first supplier in the world, and being open to international trade. The visit is striking with its 200-hectare stretch of water, and its 100,000-ton buildings, deep-water monsters. A park with the same name, with an area of 500 m², is planned, to house medium and large factories, as well as a phosphate complex. The second port of the city is that of El Jadida which is in the city center, very typical with its boats that leave or return from fishing, the incessant comings and goings of pleasure boats.

It is a place where water sports enthusiasts can give themselves to their heart's content.

The old Portuguese city has become the new Mazagan, while keeping its historic side, thanks to its walls and their history. You can discover a city full of seduction, with old stones, beautiful sandy beaches, an ocean as far as the eye can see where water is an invitation to swim, and a seaside resort where rest, relaxation, well-being await you, in oriental decorations famous for their architectural refinement and beauty. You can also stroll on the city walls, by taking a path that has remained passable. You will have a superb view of the Angel's Bastion and you will enjoy a view of the sea, the port and the city. And pushing your walk a little further, you will come across the cisterns and the Church of the Assumption, where opposite is a mosque, overlooked by a singular minaret, which would be a priori, the only building with a pentagonal shape of the world.

You can also go to the surroundings of Azemmour, which is about ten kilometers away, to taste a specialty: shad, fish resembling sardines and which are tasty, while strolling through the ancient streets of the Medina.

Mazagan is no exception to the rule of Moroccan cities. Many souks on both sides of the city will welcome you. The most important souk is located opposite the Portuguese city, on the main artery and its neighboring alleys. The stands and stalls are open all week and stay animated very late in the evening. You will find all regional products such as spices, fruits and vegetables, fabrics, soaps and argan oil products, pastries, furniture, secondhand goods. You can even find a quite surprising egg shop there. Many festivals are given throughout the year and also concerts. A few kilometers away, you can reach the Mazagan Beach Resort. It is a complex spread over 250 m², in the middle of gardens with intoxicating scents, a magnificent seven-kilometer beach, a hotel built in the purest Moroccan tradition, sheltered in the center of an oasis, suites and rooms where comfort is at the top. For golf enthusiasts, an 18-hole green that overlooks the lagoon, a swimming pool that will offer you a heavenly 180 ° view of the Atlantic Ocean. Restaurants and bars are available to taste local specialties and refresh yourself.

The tourists who come to Mazagan are surprised by this city, where history has left a capital imprint. This is why it attracts many people, who are passionate about history, who love old buildings. They are amazed by the mystical side that the city exudes. The Portuguese city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.