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essaouira -
03-25-2008, 11:16 AM
Essaouira, also known as "the pearl of the kingdom", looks just like a mirage suspended between sea and sky at the end of a long beach made of the finest sand.
A cosmopolitain and international town, already renowned during the Roman Empire for the extraction of crimson dye, Essaouira was conquered by the Muslims in the 10th century and invaded by the Portuguese in the 16th. It's a magnificent place to visit any time of the year since this city is blessed with an exceptionally temperate climate, making it possible to swim even during the winter. You will be charmed by the splendid medina (old quarter) made up of narrow paths, blue doors and whitewashed houses which alternate with artisan's workshops and small shops.
In Arabic, this town is called Essaouira, i.e. "the wall", but its ancient name was "Mogador", a word of berber origin which means "the well-guarded". Essaouira looks onto the îles Purpuraires or Purple Islands, an archipelago that faces the town and that protects it from the ocean's fury.
This enormous fortress, with a cross-shaped plan like Saint Malo's, was built at sea level. It's of a blinding whiteness and has the appearance of an urban complex of a theatrical air, with its squares and markets and just as many meeting places and performance areas. Wind-whipped but protected by solid bastions, Essaouira's main business activities revolve around the craft industry and tourism. Here, you can practice scuba diving and rent wind-surfing boards.
Fishing is a flourishing business. In fact, every morning, all kinds of fish and shellfish are sold at the port .
From the ancient Portuguese tower (Skala du port), which dominates the entrance of the port, one can enjoy an impressive, unrestricted view of the city and the îles Purpuraires.
Essaouira can be divided into three parts: the Medina, the Mellah and the Kasbah, all three surrounded and protected by high city walls. Within these walls, one can find an enormous, colourful souk (bazaar)..
An enticing town with a slightly retro appearance, Essaouira has always attracted artists of all genres and nationalities. The Rolling Stones and other pop stars regularly vacationed here during the 70's. Nowadays, famous contemporary writers and directors continue to come here in order to savour this nostalgic, slightly romantic atmosphere, where one can hear the sound of the waves and the cry of seagulls taking wing by the thousands.
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essaouira
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