Discover 10 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Essaouira (Morocco). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Slat Lkahal Synagogue, Chaim Pinto Synagogue, and Essaouira Citadel. Also, be sure to include Simon Attias Synagogue in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Essaouira (Marrakech - Tensift - Al Haouz).
Table of Contents
Slat Lkahal Synagogue
The Slat Lkahal Synagogue is a synagogue located in the Mellah of the medina of Essaouira, in Morocco.
The synagogue was built from 1850 with funds raised by members of the community who mingled with the crowds at funeral ceremonies and begged for alms, and was inaugurated in 1859.
"Slat Lkahal" which means "Synagogue of the Community" is also called the synagogue of the poor and has served as a Hebrew learning facility for needy children.[1]
Chaim Pinto Synagogue
Synagogue in Essaouira, Morocco. The Chaim Pinto Synagogue, an historic site in Essaouira, Morocco, formerly known as Mogador, Morocco, was the home and synagogue of Rabbi Chaim Pinto. Although there is no longer a Jewish community in Essaouira, the building is an active synagogue, used when pilgrims or Jewish tour groups visit the city. The synagogue is on the second floor of a three-story, courtyard building inside the walls of the old city that also contained Rabbi Pinto's home and office. The building is of whitewashed plaster over masonry. The synagogue consists of a single large room. There are two women's sections, one across the courtyard and one on the third floor, both with windows looking into the synagogue. The synagogue room underwent a modern renovation, concealing the ceiling and column capitals, and painting the wood of the Torah ark and bimah light blue.[2]
Essaouira Citadel
The port of Essaouira is an important traditional and historical fishing port of the 18th century, in Essaouira, on the Atlantic Ocean, in Morocco. It is one of the 14 main fishing ports in Morocco and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco, with its beaches and the nearby walled Medina of Essaouira on the ocean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Simon Attias Synagogue
Synagogue. The Simon Attias Synagogue is a nineteenth-century synagogue in Essaouira, Morocco, formerly known as Mogador, Morocco. It is also known as the Bet Ha-Knesset Simon Attias, M'sod Attias and Shaarei T'filah. The synagogue was built in 1882.
The synagogue forms one wing of a masonry, courtyard building that also contained the home of Simon Attias. A single, large door set into a Horseshoe arch leads into the suite of buildings. The synagogue is on the second floor. The ground floor once held shops. The third floor contained the offices of Jewish courts, which heard both commercial and personal cases. The synagogue proper is a space two stories high, with large, rounded-arch windows and a women's gallery.
The interior woodword was carved in London. The large, wooden Torah Ark featured columns and a rounded pediment, and is decorated with floral carvings. A large number of memorial lambs survived in 1993, including one to the memory of Simon Attias, who died in 1892. In 1993 the synagogue was in sound condition. In 2009 it is closed and is now undergoing restoration and conversion to a museum.
After the restoration, the synagogue is now part of the museum Bayt Dakira.[3]
Borj Al Baroud
Bourj El Baroud is a ruined watchtower located somewhat south of the mouth of Oued Ksob near Essaouira, Morocco. This structure is located on a broad sandy beach directly across from Phoenician ruins at the southeast tip of the main islet of Iles Purpuraires. This beach is likely the one referred to in Herodotus' account of the Phoenicians' trading with the indigenous peoples of this part of western Morocco. About one kilometre inland is the village of Diabat.[4]
Bab Doukkala, Essaouira
Bab Doukkala, also called Bab Sidi Bouzerktoun or Bab Safi, is a fortified gate of the XVIIIth century located in Essaouira, Morocco. It is one of the main gates of the current medina of Essaouira and is one of the most imposing and symbolic. It is located northeast of the city, in the Mellah of Essaouira.
Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum
Museum in Essaouira, Morocco. The Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum is a history museum in the city of Essaouira, Morocco. It was named after the founder of the city, Mohammed ben Abdallah.
It is located in 19th century mansion, Rue Laâlouj, a central street of the city of Essaouira.
The museum displays various historical artifacts, including ancient pottery, coins, jewellery, carpets relevant to the history of Essaouira.[5]
Mogador island
Island in Morocco. Mogador Island is the main island of the Iles Purpuraires near Essaouira in Morocco. It is about 3 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, and lies about 1.5 kilometres from Essaouira.[6]
Skala De La Ville
Forts and castles
Galeries Frederic Damgaard
Museum
Address: AVENUE OQBA IBN NAFIA, Essaouira