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    El Jadida

    Morocco

    El Jadida

    City

    El Jadida is about 96 km southwest of Casablanca on the Atlantic. Central to it is the fortified city of Mazagan, built by the Portuguese from 1514 and a UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Morocco
    7. Rabat & Atlantic Coast
    9. El Jadida
    El Jadida is about 96 km southwest of Casablanca on the Atlantic. Central to it is the fortified city of Mazagan, built by the Portuguese from 1514 and a UNESCO World Heritage since 2004. Especially renowned is the Portuguese Cistern, whose vault reflects in the water.

    Sights in El Jadida

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Cité Portugaise (Mazagan)
    Historic Landmark

    1Cité Portugaise (Mazagan)

    The Portuguese landed in 1502 and from 1514 built the fortified city of Mazagan, which they held until 1769 as their last possession in Morocco. Within its walls lies the Portuguese Cistern, a vaulted hall with 25 columns, whose water level reflects the vault. Orson Welles filmed scenes for Othello here. UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.
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    Sidi Bouzid Beach
    Attraction

    2Sidi Bouzid Beach

    Wide sandy beach southwest of the city, popular with families from the region.
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    Restaurants in El Jadida

    1

    Restaurant du Port

    Casual fish restaurant in the harbour overlooking the harbour basin. Alcohol is also served.
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    Culture and History

    Portuguese HeritageThe Portuguese landed in 1502 and built a citadel in 1514, which they developed into the fortress city of Mazagan. They held it until 1769, longer than any other outpost in Morocco. Afterwards, Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah took over the city; in 1820 it received the name al-Jadida, the New.The CisternThe vaulted hall with 25 columns was converted into a cistern in 1541. A thin layer of water on the floor reflects the vaults and light shaft; Orson Welles filmed scenes for Othello here.

    Exploring locally

    Getting ThereONCF trains run from Casablanca to El Jadida in about an hour and a half. The station is a few kilometers outside; take a taxi to the center.Explore the Cité Portugaise and the beach promenade on foot.

    Accommodations in El Jadida

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      • 1Cité Portugaise (Mazagan)3 days
      • 2Sidi Bouzid Beach4 days
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    Nearby

    Casablanca

    Casablanca

    Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and economic hub, with its airport being the country's busiest. Its landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, whose 210-meter-high minaret stands directly on the Atlantic. Additionally, there are Art Deco buildings from the Protectorate era, the Habous quarter, and the Aïn Diab Corniche.
    Rabat & Atlantic Coast

    Rabat & Atlantic Coast

    On the northern Atlantic coast are the capital Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, and Casablanca, the country's largest city, home to the Hassan II Mosque. Further south lies El Jadida, featuring the Portuguese fortress city of Mazagan.
    Rabat

    Rabat

    Rabat is the capital of Morocco, home to the King and government. The city lies at the mouth of the Bouregreg into the Atlantic and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2012 as an ensemble of a modern capital and historic city. Hassan Tower, Chellah, and the Kasbah of the Oudayas are close by.
    Marrakech

    Marrakech

    Marrakech, nestled at the foot of the High Atlas, will be Morocco’s top destination in 2025, expecting over ten million passengers. Founded by the Almoravids around 1070, its approximately nine-kilometre-long red clay walls still enclose the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. Its heart is Jemaa el-Fna Square, surrounded by souks, palaces, and gardens.
    Marrakech & The High Atlas

    Marrakech & The High Atlas

    Marrakesh is often the gateway to Morocco: The Medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. South of the city, the High Atlas rises to 4,167m at Toubkal, with valleys like Ourika Valley and mountain villages like Imlil.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI