El Jadida, "the new" in Arabic, and renamed when the Moroccans took over in 1769, said the Portuguese domination. With its fortified walls and their four bastions, facing a beautiful natural bay on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the seaside town owes them its unique beauty. Especially popular with Moroccans, still unknown to Europeans, El Jadida is a true destination.
The walkway of the Portuguese city, you can enjoy the view over the sea, the harbor where you can buy fish directly from the fishermen on the beach. It is invested each summer by many Casablancais and Marrakchis. Average temperatures rising to 30 ° C are then constantly refreshed by a gentle sea breeze.
Behind the ramparts reign in the former Mazagan, the name given by the Portuguese, a village feel to the good life. Little shops, souks but no entanglement ocher houses and colonial monuments perfectly preserved. With in the first place, the Church of the Assumption built in the Manueline style and the Portuguese cistern. World Heritage of Unesco, the latter notably served as a backdrop to "Othello" by Orson Wells who was transformed into steam.
The tranquility of the wafer Portuguese city with cheerful bustle of the medina of El Jadida. Enclosed within high walls, the sound of laughter of children running in its maze of cobbled streets.
After a walk on the ledge where there are many cafes, we appreciate the calm and coolness of Mohamed V Park which stand proud of Araucaria, dragon and other exotic trees. Its central square is the scene of diverse cultural and musical event.
Transport and travel in El Jadida
To get to El Jadida, the best is to take a flight to Casablanca, 80 km to the north. A train liaises between the two cities (departures every two hours, in one way or another). However no direct line from Marrakech. It is better to opt for a rental car.
Visits to El Jadida
The tour of the walled city, one of the first institutions in West Africa Portuguese explorers who were en route to India, is required during any stay in El Jadida. Portuguese tank that served armory before being transformed into drinking water tank is a must. The illumination provided by the circular opening in the roof on its twenty-five pillars is fantastic.
Attractions in El Jadida
El Jadida has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. There is also little popular pubs, restaurants and fish and sardines, tearooms. Owls go dancing at Sanctuary night club, located inside the Mazagan Beach Resort in bars or clubs located along the beach.