EssaouiraMogador

EssaouiraMogador refers to the Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira in Morocco, historically known to Europeans as Mogador. Located on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira Province, the city sits in a wide bay about 170 kilometers west of Marrakech. Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved 18th-century urban plan, fortifications, and harbor.

In the 1760s–1770s, Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah commissioned the rebuilding of the town as a fortified port, with the French military engineer Théodore Cornut designing the layout. The grid plan is framed by thick ramparts and the Skala de la Kasbah, which overlook the harbor. The name Mogador appears in historical European maps and sources, reflecting the era of Portuguese influence; after the reconstruction the town adopted the name Essaouira.

Today Essaouira is known for its active fishing port, its whitewashed citadel and blue doors, and its thriving craft scene—particularly thuya woodwork and traditional silver jewelry. The city also hosts the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which has been held annually since 1998 and draws performers and visitors from around the world. Its windswept shores make Essaouira a popular destination for windsurfers and sailors alike.

Accessible by road from Marrakech and served by Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU), the city remains a balanced mix of historic heritage, maritime economy, and cultural vitality.