Fascinating and mysterious, the Portuguese cistern is one of the most interesting monuments in the city of El Jadida. Built in 1514 by the Portuguese beneath the fortified castle, it is believed to have served as an armoury before being converted into a cistern to supply the city in the event of a siege.
Gothic architecture and a mystical atmosphere
Dazzling as much as it intrigues, the cistern's architecture evokes Gothic atmospheres. It looks like a medieval chapel, the reflection in the water of its 6 vaults, its 25 columns, and its central skylight, create an unreal, almost mystical atmosphere. With a storage capacity of 5000 m3 of water, it helped supply the city's inhabitants and irrigate farmland during times of drought that hit the country.
A world heritage site to visit without further delay
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cistern remains perfectly preserved and even served as a backdrop for Orson Wells' 1952 film Othello. A visit to El-Jadida cannot be complete without a stop at this monument, which will leave visitors speechless, enchanted by the beauty of the gallery, and will undoubtedly transport them to distant times.