History of Essaouira

The medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, as an example of an outstanding and well-preserved example of a late 18th century fortified seaside town.

From ancient times to the present, Essaouira has been an important port and was the key trading centre for salt, spices and sugar between Europe and Timbuktu.