Borj El Barmil, Coastal bastion in Essaouira, Morocco.
Borj El Barmil is a cylindrical stone fortress positioned at the edge of Essaouira's medina with thick walls and commanding views across the Atlantic. The structure rises prominently from the surrounding urban landscape and anchors the harbor's defensive line.
This bastion was built during the 18th century as part of Sultan Mohammed III's effort to strengthen coastal defenses against maritime attacks. It remained an active part of the port's protective infrastructure through the following centuries.
Local builders adapted European military techniques to create a distinctive structure that blends different architectural traditions. The fortress shows how craftsmen combined their knowledge with foreign design principles to form something new.
You can explore the fortress during daylight hours when the stone walls and water views are best seen, and the surrounding area is easy to navigate on foot. Early morning visits offer calmer conditions and better light for observing the structure's details.
The circular shape gave this structure its popular name meaning 'tower of the barrel,' setting it apart from rectangular forts found elsewhere on the coast. This round design allowed defenders to monitor and fire in all directions simultaneously.
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