Graciosa Fortress, Portuguese castle in Larache, Morocco
Graciosa Fortress is a Portuguese castle built on a small island near the junction of the Lucus and El-Mekhazen rivers, several kilometers inland from the coast. The structure features stone walls and bastions designed to control river routes and prevent inland access.
Portuguese forces built the fortress in 1489 under Gaspar Jusarte, but Sultan Mohammed al-Wattasi captured it through siege only months later. The brief occupation revealed how difficult it was for the Portuguese to maintain inland positions against local resistance.
The fortress displays Portuguese military design with fortifications specifically built to defend against attacks from both land and river routes. Visitors can observe the stone walls and bastions that reflect how colonizers sought to maintain their North African stronghold.
The fortress site is accessible from modern Larache by following local paths along the Lucus River, though facilities are minimal for extended visits. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are advisable, as the ruins offer little shade.
During the siege, Moroccan forces blocked the river with felled trees, preventing the Portuguese from receiving supplies or escaping. This unconventional siege tactic turned the island fortress's isolation into a fatal weakness that led to surrender.
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