Safi, a city in renaissance :
Safi, also known Asfi, is mentioned for the first time in the eleventh century. The Portuguese set up a trading for the triangular trade in 1481, and seized the city in 1508, they built the walls, and a strong edge of the ocean, before being driven out by the Saadian in 1541. city is becoming increasingly important to become the first port of Morocco (sardine fishing and transport phosphates).
Dar el-Bahr (the castle of the Sea) is still equipped with its ancient canons of the XVII. It was the residence of the governors and sultans. Do visit the Souk street that crosses the Medina through, occupied by artisans and shops (Safi is known for its pottery, with delicate polychrome decoration). To the south, the Portuguese chapel, east ramparts of the Kelcha, the ancient fortress of the Portuguese, with a monumental gate. The workshops potters are traditionally installed outside of the city, because it is a polluting generating activity and fire hazards.
Finally, it is left as Safi in 1920 Thor Heyerdahl on a raft of papyrus and bamboo, the Ra, which began 57 days to rally the Caribbean, proving that Africans could have landed in America there are more than 4,500 years .
North of the city, a ridge with stunning panoramic views of the city and harbor, where a nice little cafe is installed.
A 33 kms south Souira Kadima (former speaker) with the remains of a Ribat (fortified monastery) Portuguese. A dozen miles away, after the Tensift, the ruins of the kasbah Hamidouch behind fortifications built by Moulay Ismail. We arrive Chiadma country where the Berber Regraga originally the arrival of Islam in Morocco, according to legend. Moussem their famous seven brothers who went to Mecca to meet the Prophet returned and converted to the new religion.
Today, Safi is a major industrial port with a deepwater basin where the phosphate ore exporting Moroccan come. Long very polluted, the city has made great efforts - successful - to become livable. It is also a university city with a rich cultural life.
Here are some pictures of the city of Safi :
Map Of Safi :
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