Safi
Safi, Morocco (Arabic: آسفي, is the capital of the Dukala-Abda region and has a population of 284,750, according to the 2004 census. It has a good reputation in many industries, including ceramics, fishing, mineral resources and the sugar industry. This […]
Safi, Morocco (Arabic: آسفي, is the capital of the Dukala-Abda region and has a population of 284,750, according to the 2004 census. It has a good reputation in many industries, including ceramics, fishing, mineral resources and the sugar industry. This city has been a port of great importance to the country for centuries and was originally known as Asfi. It was populated by Carthaginians, Romans and Almohads, throughout its long history.
It is a very industrial port city, with one of the most important ports on the coast, mainly dedicated to the export of phosphates and sardine fishing. Safi, which is 100 kilometers north of Essaouira, is well known for its potters.s. Here is the National Museum of Ceramic Art Galleries.
Asafi, as a good coastal city has many beaches, and is located in a strategic area, because from here within a radius of 150 kilometers you can visit Marrakech, Essaouira and El Jadida.
In addition, the city has a rich legacy that is accessible to all visitors. It has the first Muslim mosque in the Kingdom and Portuguese monuments dating back more than five centuries. This sector is still underdeveloped in the province, despite the possibilities it has.
Portuguese fortress of Safi
But te city is a mainly modern city, with a fishing port and a diverse industry. If you get to this place along its main road, you will first see the industrial part, which is the least attractive, but this should not discourage you from visiting the older city the rest, which is completely different. Already in the city, you will see that its old town is the most touristy part.
Great Mosque of Safi
Things to do in Safi
It only takes a few hours to visit Safi, whose interest is concentrated in the medina. A full tour, starting from Independence Square, will take you later through the Castle of the Sea, the Portuguese Chapel, the potters and Kechla.
Independence Square is the first place to see in Safi and is the focal point of the two main districts of the old city, the R’bat district and the medina. It is also the active center of the city, as here you will find the banks and the bus station, among other things.
big Tagin of Asafi
The Castle of the Sea (Qasr El Bahr) is located in the center of R’bat, the old house of Safi, and faces the sea. It is located on the edge of Independence Square. This “Castle of the Sea” built by the Portuguese in the 16th century was probably built to defend and protect the northern entrance of the port city and the Government House. It was restored in 1963. Looking northwest, there is a beautiful view of the ocean, the historic district of Medina del R’bat, the port of trade and fishing and the cliffs.
R’bat, south of the Independence Square district, grew up around a fortified monastery founded by Abu al-Hassan in the second half of the 14th century to house warrior monks engaged in the Holy War against the Portuguese. The tomb of Safi’s patron, Sidi Abu Mohammed Salih, is next to the R’bat Zaouala mosque.
Old Medina: Souk Street, the main and busiest street of the old city, is full of colorful stalls and craft workshops, which are for tourists an interesting place to visit in Safi. Just before reaching the Great Mosque, turn left, passing under the arch that closes via Cadi Ayad, you reach in less than 100 meters the Portuguese Chapel.
Portuguese Chapel: After serving for a long time as hamman, we can still admire its vault with arches decorated with weapons of Portugal and eight medallions whose engravings represent religious emblems and noble weapons.
The Kechla: also called Borj el Dar, is an ancient fortress built by the Portuguese in the 16th century where you can admire beautiful views of the hill of potters and the dazzling minaret of the medina.
How to get to Safi
Safi is a coastal city located in western Morocco. There are several ways to get to Safi, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation.
By Air: The closest airport to Safi is Marrakech Menara Airport, which is approximately 150 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Safi.
By Train: You can also take a train to Safi from major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat. There are several daily trains that operate on these routes, and the journey takes between 2 and 3 hours.
By Bus: Another option is to take a bus to Safi from major cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Essaouira. There are several bus companies that operate on these routes, and the journey takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on your starting point.
By Car: If you have your own car, you can drive to Safi from major cities such as Marrakech and Casablanca. The journey takes approximately 2 and 3 hours respectively, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
It is recommended that you check the schedules and availability of transportation options before traveling to Safi Morocco.