Cisterns description and photos - Morocco: El Jadida (Topic)

Cistern description and photos - Morocco: El Jadida. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Cistern.

Photo and description

Cisterns in El Jadida are one of the most interesting and frequently visited places in the city. The cisterns are located not far from the mosque at the entrance to the walled medina.

The history of this sight began in 1741. Initially, a military arsenal was built on this site by the Portuguese, and later it was converted into a military assembly hall. But it soon became clear that during a long siege of the citadel, fresh water was simply indispensable. Therefore, after a while, a reservoir was placed in the hall, the so-called cisterns, where the Portuguese stored supplies of fresh water.

Despite all the historical events, the cisterns were able to retain their original appearance. The vault was a square room with three halls facing south, north and east side and four towers. The Great Hall was created in 1741 in the Gothic style. The gloomy impression of this hall is brightened by a small light hole made in the center of the roof, which is supported by 25 columns.

The reservoir was opened for tourists in 1916, after a local shopkeeper, having decided to expand his store somewhat, broke through the wall and fell into the cistern. The reservoir was filled with water only a few times, but the dampness is still felt here.

Today, a small layer of water is supported at the bottom of the Portuguese cistern, which creates an amazing play of light reflection in the water in the light. The enigmatic atmosphere of the reservoir hall inspired the famous cult director Orson Welles to film in 1949.

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Topic: Cisterns description and photos - Morocco: El Jadida.