Audio Guide of Mazagan (El Jadida)

The fortified city (the Medina) is a public space open 24 hours a day for walking around. However, key attractions such as the famous **Portuguese Cistern** are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day, although these hours may vary due to holidays or restoration work.

Access to the Citadel streets and walking along the walls is generally free and open to all. To enter specific monuments such as the Cistern, there is an official fee (approximately 60 MAD per person) paid directly at the site ticket office.

To explore the walls at a relaxed pace, visit the Cistern, and wander through the narrow streets without rushing, we recommend setting aside **2 to 3 hours**. This will give you enough time to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere with your audio guide.

El Jadida, formerly known as Mazagan, is a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** and one of the earliest settlements of Portuguese explorers in West Africa. It is an exceptional example of the exchange of influences between European and Moroccan culture, visible in its Renaissance military architecture.

Spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding the humid summer heat. We recommend visiting the walls just before sunset; the light over the Atlantic Ocean creates a stunning photographic setting, and the temperature is much more pleasant for a walk.

Accessibility is limited due to the historic nature of the site: you will find uneven cobbled streets and steep stairs to reach the top of the walls. While the main streets can be navigated, full wheelchair access may be difficult.

In addition to the citadel, you can enjoy Deauville Beach right next door or visit the Sidi Bouzid Lighthouse a few kilometers away. If you have time, the city of Casablanca is an hour away by train, offering a perfect modern contrast.

Wear very comfortable shoes because of the cobbled ground, and be cautious of 'fake guides' who approach visitors at the entrance; it is better to explore at your own pace. Do not forget to enrich your visit with history and context by downloading a good audio guide before you arrive.