Fodor's Expert Review Medina
The medina isn't so much a sight as the essence of Essaouira, where you are likely to stay, eat, shop, and wander. It was designed by French architect Théodore Cornut in the late 18th century, on the instructions of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, who wanted to create a new town and port to rival Agadir and demonstrate Morocco's outward focus. Cornut built the kasbah, and the sultan invited prominent Jewish traders to settle here. Mogador (as it was then known) soon thrived.
The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and restoration efforts are underway for some key buildings from Mogador's heyday, namely Simon Attias synagogue (already restored) and the Danish consulate. The former Portuguese consulate and church are earmarked for restoration. All feature the colonnaded ground floor and rooms off internal walkways on the higher levels that are typical of the era. From the kasbah, heading northwest, pass through the Mellah Kdim (old Mellah) before reaching the Mellah proper. It... READ MORE
The medina isn't so much a sight as the essence of Essaouira, where you are likely to stay, eat, shop, and wander. It was designed by French architect Théodore Cornut in the late 18th century, on the instructions of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, who wanted to create a new town and port to rival Agadir and demonstrate Morocco's outward focus. Cornut built the kasbah, and the sultan invited prominent Jewish traders to settle here. Mogador (as it was then known) soon thrived.
The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and restoration efforts are underway for some key buildings from Mogador's heyday, namely Simon Attias synagogue (already restored) and the Danish consulate. The former Portuguese consulate and church are earmarked for restoration. All feature the colonnaded ground floor and rooms off internal walkways on the higher levels that are typical of the era. From the kasbah, heading northwest, pass through the Mellah Kdim (old Mellah) before reaching the Mellah proper. It was in this latter area that less affluent Jews settled. Following the end of the French protectorate and the creation of the state of Israel, most of Mogador's Jews left and the area became home to poorer urban families and squatters. Today the area is under redevelopment. Two original synagogues can be visited: Synagogue Slat Lkahal and Haïm Pinto Synagogue. The area is best avoided after dark. As you approach the Mellah, look for the Star of David carved in stone above doorways.
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