|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ESSAOUIRA MEDINA
From the place Moulay El-Hassan, a stroll around Essaouira's small but charming Medina takes you past the traders who throng the small lanes. Apparently designed by the Avignon architect Cornut, it's a combination of Portuguese-Moroccan styling, whilst the great Mosque, the belfry, it shady terraces and lively souk mean there's always something new to delight the eyes. As you meander along, you can watch craftsmen working with thuya wood near the ramparts. Then explore the gardens within the old city walls (Sqala) or wander along the ramparts with their bronze Spanish canons even nowadays protecting the town from imaginary invaders.
Stretching over 6 kilometres, the beaches are great for sun lovers although too much sun cream is not advisable due to the all pervasive winds. And take care swimming, for even though the beaches are well supervised in high holiday months, the strong waves can often be dangerous. It's really only surfers who are in their true element here as they thoroughly enjoy the huge waves and strong winds. Recently, small cafés and restaurants have opened up all along the beach, their sunny terraces are ideal for off the cuff light snacks, a restful break and refreshing mint tea. 
East of the Medina, near the Bab El Sebbagh gate, tanners have been carrying out their trade for decades. The enormous vats exude a nauseating smell due to the quicklime and the mixture of animal urine and pigeon droppings used to soften the skins. So remember to carry some mint stems or a well perfumed handkerchief. 
The Gnaouas are descended from Morocco's black slaves who probably originated in the Sudan. The music is trance inducing, not unlike Voodoo or Brazilian Candomblé. Moroccans, particularly the young, adore the mesmerizing rhythms (a bit like the Blues), so haunting, melancholic and spellbinding, and crowd to the town's Gnaoua festival which takes place every June. They worship the festival's artists, who include the best musicians from around the world, and who are all greeted as true stars. Their instruments include the Guenbri (a form of lute), drums (Ganga),and Garababs (twin metal castanets joined by a metal bar) which produce a very special rhythm. Truly, Gnaoua is music without frontiers. 
Essaouira's ramparts, with their crenulations and huge gates, have protected the town from invaders throughout its history. The canon still form a stronghold facing the sea. The fortifications which are very similar to those of Vauban in France, surround the inner town designed by Théodore Cornut. Wandering along the ramparts, you must visit the Kasbah's Sqala, admiring the bronze canon emblazoned with the arms of Aragon and Castille, as well as the 200 metre long platform whose historic Portuguese batteries undoubtedly form the most symbolic and picturesque part of Essaouira.
Looking out to sea from the port, you'll see two islands and some tiny ones close to the coast.
They are known as the islands of Mogador or Purpuraires (purple) islands. On the largest, which covers some 30 hectares and is also known as Pharoah's Island, are the ruins of a prison built at the end of the XIX century, as well as a mosque with its minaret and some abandoned fortifications. It's now a protected bird reserve (including black and herring gulls) and a stopping off place for the migratory Eleonora's falcons. The islands also help protect the bay from the powerful Atlantic waves.
90, Quartier des Dunees,
Essaouira Maroc
Tel : +212 524 47 48 22
Fax: +212 524 47 43 12
essaouiradreams@yahoo.fr
www.Essaouiradreams.com
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
90, Quartier des Dunees,
Essaouira Maroc
Tel : +212 524 47 48 22
Fax: +212 524 47 43 12
essaouiradreams@yahoo.fr
www.Essaouiradreams.com