Bab el-Marsa, Portuguese influence city gate in Essaouira, Morocco
Bab el-Marsa stands as a fortified entrance between the medina walls and the port, built entirely from carved stone with a triangular pediment.
The construction of this gate occurred between 1769 and 1770 under architect Ahmed El Inglizi, following orders from Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdellah.
The gate incorporates elements of Vauban military architecture with two fluted columns and capitals, reflecting both European and Moroccan building traditions.
The entrance connects the Kasbah district to the port area and remains open daily from early morning until late evening for visitors and locals.
An inscription at the center of the pediment details the construction date and the Sultan's original commission to architect Ahmed El Inglizi.
Location: Essaouira
Inception: 1764
Architects: Ahmed el Inglizi
Address: Essaouira, Morocco Essaouira
Opening Hours: Monday 09:00-17:00; Tuesday-Thursday 09:00-21:00; Friday 09:00-22:00; Saturday-Sunday 08:00-23:00
Phone: +212630833123
GPS coordinates: 31.51002,-9.77357
Latest update: November 2, 2025 20:40
The UNESCO-protected Medina of Essaouira displays 18th-century Moroccan architecture. The fortification walls with Portuguese cannons enclose traditional souks, synagogues, and mosques. The fishing port with blue and white boats and the 3-kilometer beach define the maritime cityscape. The palaces, religious sites, and museum preserve the region's cultural heritage.
Medina of Essaouira
660 m
Sqala of the port
77 m
Place Moulay Hassan
212 m
Bayt Dakira
448 m
Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum
475 m
Sqala of Kasbah
611 m
Chaim Pinto Synagogue
887 m
Bab Sbaa
383 m
Bab Marrakech
812 m
Simon Attias Synagogue
826 m
Fish Market
712 m
Bab Sebaa
388 m
Kasbah Mosque
350 m
Slat Lkahal Synagogue
826 m
Ben Youssef Mosque
492 m
Azur Art & Spa
351 m
Tour de L`Horloge
362 m
Hammam Mounia / the Two Doors
651 m
Rempart Mogador
609 m
Borj El Barmil
106 m
Borj Bab Marrakech
683 m
Sidi Ahmed Mosque
664 m
Bab El Mechouar
210 m
Souk dei gioielli
665 m
Coopérative Argan Haha
368 m
Dar Dmana
657 m
Skala De La Ville
508 m
Mellah
884 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes