Heritage with Related Tags
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
The Portuguese fortress of Mazagan, now part of the city of El Jadida, is located 90 km southwest of Casablanca and was built in the early 16th century as a fortified settlement on the Atlantic coast. The city was captured by the Moroccans in 1769. The fortress and walls are an early example of Renaissance military design. Surviving Portuguese buildings include the Cistern and the Church of the Assumption, in the Manueline late Gothic style. The Portuguese city of Mazagan was one of the early settlements of Portuguese explorers in West Africa on their way to India and is an outstanding example of the mutual influence of European and Moroccan cultures, well reflected in architecture, technology and town planning.
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
Tetouan was of particular importance during the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards, as it was the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquista, the town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees expelled by the Spanish. Its art and architecture show a great deal of Andalusian influence. Although one of the smallest medinas in Morocco, Tetouan is undoubtedly the most complete, and it has remained largely untouched by later outside influences.
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
Essaouira is an excellent example of a late 18th century fortified town, built according to contemporary European military architectural principles in a North African context. Since its founding, Essaouira has been an important international trading seaport, connecting Morocco and its Saharan hinterland with Europe and the rest of the world.