Essaouira, the lost Greek town in Morocco
While researching online for day trips from Marrakech, I came across Essaouira. And just a few weeks before the Morocco scheduled trip, KLM’s Flying Dutchman travel magazine which I receive by post regularly featured Marrakech and Essaouira as their cover story. The article was peppered with beautiful pictures and an exciting reportage. I was sold out. I have to be there.
Essaouira is located in the west of Morocco along the Atlantic coast approximately 150 kilometres from Marrakech (3-4 hour’s drive). The city is ancient but it was only during the 18th century when the city was rebuilt and it is what it is now. The slaves of the king helped build this sea-side city, however, these are not your so-called slaves of Africa descent. These slaves are from European descent with educational degrees—architects and engineers imprisoned by the king. Perhaps this explains why Essaouira looked more European—Greek than Arabic or Moroccan?
The medina (old city in Arabic) formerly known as ‘Mogador’ is a UNESCO World Heritage. With the buildings and environs painted in white plaster, and the windows and doors painted in blue, you’d think you are lost somewhere in the Greek Islands.
If this town can speak, I swear under the almighty breath of Zeus, Essaouira must have spoken Greek already!
Let me show you a few pictures of this Greek-style Arabic medina:
Here are the rest of my Essaouira entries:
Mogador; Souk and the Medina
Serenaded Lunch in Essaouira and a Macho Encounter
Travel Period: April 2009
Destination: Essaouira (South Atlantic Coast), Morocco
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Essaouira is located in the west of Morocco along the Atlantic coast approximately 150 kilometres from Marrakech (3-4 hour’s drive). The city is ancient but it was only during the 18th century when the city was rebuilt and it is what it is now. The slaves of the king helped build this sea-side city, however, these are not your so-called slaves of Africa descent. These slaves are from European descent with educational degrees—architects and engineers imprisoned by the king. Perhaps this explains why Essaouira looked more European—Greek than Arabic or Moroccan?
The medina (old city in Arabic) formerly known as ‘Mogador’ is a UNESCO World Heritage. With the buildings and environs painted in white plaster, and the windows and doors painted in blue, you’d think you are lost somewhere in the Greek Islands.
If this town can speak, I swear under the almighty breath of Zeus, Essaouira must have spoken Greek already!
Let me show you a few pictures of this Greek-style Arabic medina:
Gates of the medina.
Upon entering the medina, we noticed the blue and white colour scheme...
Lovely... looks like a normal window in the south of Europe.
Blondine and I spotted this lovely cafe. Great excuse to sit down for some cold refreshments.
And we had the perfect spot to people watch. Our table is facing the medina gate.
Here are the rest of my Essaouira entries:
Mogador; Souk and the Medina
Serenaded Lunch in Essaouira and a Macho Encounter
Travel Period: April 2009
Destination: Essaouira (South Atlantic Coast), Morocco
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
