Place Moulay Hassan درب عبدالله بن ياسين, Main pedestrian square in Essaouira, Morocco.
Place Moulay Hassan is the central square in Essaouira, connecting the port, medina, and Kasbah through a spacious open area. Traditional buildings and restaurants surround the square on all sides.
The square emerged after the demolition of Bab Laachour gate and part of the imperial palace. It became a central gathering point during French colonial times.
The square hosts the main stage of the Gnaoua Music Festival, bringing international artists and thousands of spectators together each summer.
Fish restaurants line the space between the parking area and the port, with official price lists displayed on large boards. The square is easy to navigate and serves as a natural meeting point for visitors.
The square functions as a daily transition point where maritime activities, ancient medina life, and modern urban elements meet and intersect. This blending of three distinct worlds makes it a particularly revealing space to watch daily patterns.
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