The American daily New York Times praised the charms and the tourist and artistic assets of the city of Essaouira which “represents the coast of North Africa in its most picturesque form”.
“The beautiful Atlantic port of Essaouira does not enjoy the fame and grandeur of more famous Moroccan cities like Casablanca, but that is precisely what makes it attractive,” underlines the great circulation in a report by Seth Sherwood where he also dwells on the model of living together and coexistence represented by the city of Alizés, which is the point of convergence of several cultures.
“Blue wooden fishing boats capture visitors’ attention at first sight,” says the author of the 36 Hours article, which tells readers how to get the most out of a 36-hour visit to a tourist destination. “Camels roam the city’s beaches, and when evening comes, the sunset casts its light on the crenellated ramparts”, notes the reporter, noting that “it is not surprising that productions like ‘Othello’ ‘Orson Welles (1951) and HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ were filmed here”.
And the author of the report continues: “art galleries and elegant guest houses give more charm to the landscape, while summer music festivals such as the Gnaoua Festival and World Music set the pace. “. “Rue de la Sqala takes you on a walk along the ramparts which offer sublime views of the coast, while the Bayt Dakira museum revisits the heritage of the former Jewish community of Essaouira”, underlines the New York Times .
The author of the article recalls, in this regard, that in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Essaouira had a large Jewish community, adding that the city houses the tomb of Haïm Pinto, “a 19th century rabbi and chief of the community always venerated by the Jews of Essaouira”. The city is also home to traveling exhibitions by Moroccan artists, Sherwood says, adding that Essaouira’s most fascinating galleries are as pleasingly meandering as the city itself.
The article cites, in this sense, the Le Real Mogador gallery, “a grandiose mansion hosting traveling exhibitions of mainly Moroccan contemporary artists, such as the folkloric Mostafa El Hadar and the abstract painter Said Ouarzaz”. “The wide footbridge and its majestic watchtower offer sublime views of the steep coast and the Purpuraires Islands, where the ancient Phoenicians and Romans crushed murex to make the purple dyes that were very popular at the time”, underlines the author of the report.
“With seagulls flying over the coast and waves crashing below, time stands still for a moment,” Sherwood says.
The article also suggests several restaurants to visit to taste seafood dishes or taste a succulent shoulder of lamb.
The city’s flea market, which is held every Sunday, is also highly recommended by the author of the article, who gives his readers a series of recommendations for a memorable stay combining discovery, well-being, history and culture.
