The city of Essaouira

The history of Essaouira dates back to the 7th century BC, when the Phoenicians stopped on the island of Mogador on their route along the African coast. Later, in Roman times, a famous purple dye was produced here, giving its name to the Purple Isles off the coast. In 1764, Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah decided to build a fortified town at Mogador and commissioned the French architect Théodore Cornut to design it; he built the ramparts that still protect it today. Walking along its walls, gazing at the ocean and then getting lost in the medina is the best way to discover the charm of the town. Since the 18th century, Essaouira has attracted poets, artists, craftsmen and designers, and today it remains one of the most dynamic centers of contemporary art in Morocco.