Sqala of the port, Coastal fortification in Essaouira, Morocco.
The Sqala features thick stone walls with mounted cannons facing the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of the extensive Essaouira Ramparts system.
Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah commissioned this maritime defense structure in the 18th century to protect the port from naval invasions.
The fortress demonstrates the architectural fusion between Moroccan defensive techniques and European military engineering through its construction methods and design elements.
Visitors can access the fortification daily, where multiple viewing points provide opportunities to observe both the port activities and Atlantic waves.
The structure contains preserved warehouses that once stored goods from European merchant ships during the height of Essaouira's maritime trade period.
Location: Essaouira
Part of: Essaouira Ramparts
GPS coordinates: 31.50997,-9.77438
Latest update: March 3, 2025 21:52
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.
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