Bab el-Marsa, Gate in Morocco
Description
Bab el-Marsa is a fortified gateway between the medina walls and the harbor of Essaouira, constructed entirely from carved stone with a triangular pediment at its crown. The structure features two fluted columns and capitals that create a clearly defined passageway.
History
This gateway was built between 1769 and 1770 under architect Ahmed El Inglizi on orders from Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdellah. Its construction marked a period when coastal Moroccan cities were adapting to changing maritime influences.
Culture
The gate blends two building traditions through its fluted columns and European-influenced design alongside local stone carving methods. Today, visitors can see how this entrance represents the meeting point between European and Moroccan craftsmanship in a single structure.
Practical
This gateway connects the Kasbah district to the port area and remains open throughout the day for visitors and residents to pass through. It serves as a natural waypoint when exploring both neighborhoods on foot.
Did you know?
An inscription carved into the center of the pediment records the construction date and the Sultan's original commission. This carved record preserves the specific moment and authority behind the structure's creation.
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Essaouira is a port city on Morocco's coast where the 18th-century medina stands protected by UNESCO. Massive fortification walls topped with Portuguese cannons enclose the winding streets where traditional markets, mosques, and synagogues sit side by side. Fishing boats painted in blue and white...
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