Highlights of El Jadida

El Jadida, formerly the Portuguese colony of Mazagan, preserves a UNESCO-listed old city characterized by 16th-century military architecture. This selection highlights the city's coastal heritage, featuring the subterranean Manueline-style cistern and the thick stone ramparts of the Citadelle. The list also includes the historic Palais du Gouverneur and a series of prominent Atlantic lighthouses, such as the 1916 Sidi Bouafi, which guide ships along this significant stretch of the Moroccan coastline.

Highlights of El Jadida — Map

[2] / CC BY 2.0

A

Portuguese City of Mazagan

El Jadida is a major port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, located 96 kilometres south of the city of Casablanca, in the province of…

B

Cisterne Portuguese

Built in 1514 as an armory before being converted into a water reservoir, this underground Manueline-style chamber is famous for its vaulted ceiling and the reflective pool created by shallow water on the floor.

C

La Citadelle de Mazagan

A 16th-century Portuguese fortification featuring massive stone ramparts and bastions. It represents an early example of Renaissance military design adapted for colonial outposts on the Atlantic coast.

D

Château Rouge

A historic red-toned structure located near the northern edge of the city's coastal fortifications.

E

Phare Sidi Bouafi

A 46-meter-high lighthouse completed in 1916. It serves as a primary navigational aid for the Atlantic coast, with a light visible for up to 30 nautical miles.

F

Palais du Gouverneur

The former administrative residence located within the Portuguese City, reflecting the colonial architectural style of the 16th century.

G

Phare Vert

A green-topped lighthouse marking the entrance to the port of El Jadida.

H

Phare Sidi Daoui

A coastal lighthouse situated on the northern outskirts of El Jadida, providing navigation for the rocky Atlantic shoreline.

Other Lists

El Jadida Essentials Hidden Gems Coastal Leisure in El Jadida Historic Mazagan & Lighthouses