The secrets of El Jadida
Underground chamber discovered by accident, hunting with falcons, gigantic mineral port... The former Mazagan and its surrounding area have plenty of surprises in store for you.
The mysterious cistern
Built in 1514 by the Portuguese, this underground chamber may have been used as an arsenal or as a store before being transformed into a cistern to be used during sieges. Its surprising Gothic architecture represents a square room of 1100m² supported by five rows of columns and a vaulted ceiling. In the center, a shaft of light has been opened up. Having been forgotten, it was rediscovered by accident in 1916 by a shopkeeper who wanted to enlarge his premises. This room has served as the set for many films, including the famous Othello by Orson Welles.
Falconry
This local Doukkala tradition goes back to the Middle Ages. It appears that the best falconers come from the Lakouassem region and from the village of Ouled Frej. This type of hunting has always been reserved for the nobility. Falconry requires time and experience. It is possible to watch practices and demonstrations in several locations. This is the case at Moulay-Abdallah moussem, one example of the region's numerous festivals.
Jorf Lasfar port
A former village for fishermen who specialized in catching rock lobsters, Jorf Lasfar has become the largest port in Africa for exporting phosphate, as Morocco is the world's leading producer of this mineral. A visit to this impressive place will allow you to appreciate the 500 acres of this man-made harbour with its 100,000 ton ships.
To remember
The contrast is striking between the little port of El Jadida and the gigantic one of Jorf Lasfar.
