Places to visit in Safi, Morocco

Safi, formerly named as Asfi, is an Atlantic port city of western Morocco. The word "Asfi" means flood or river estuary. The city is a mixture of medieval and modern architecture. The place is also known for its pottery.

I work here in a construction company since 2016 and I make sure that during my free time on holidays and weekends, I have to visit the historical and tourist destinations of Safi. Here are the top attractions of the place:

Cathédrale Portugaise

This cathedral is situated in the Old Medina of Safi. As per records, this ruined cathedral dates back from the year 1519 and was built in the Portuguese late Gothic architecture or a Manueline style. According to history, the construction of the Cathedral was never completed. The place is a must see, the remnants itself will show the Portuguese influence in Safi.
An entrance fee of 10 dirhams per person is collected. 

 


 

 

Sea Castle of Safi

Sea Castle of Safi, Morocco was built in 1508. The fort is a medieval castle adapted with gun ports. Below are the photos of the remnants of the castle. This is situated  near the Medina area.

 

  

 

 

National Ceramics Museum (Musee National de la Ceramique)

The National Ceramics Museum is housed in the Kechla citadel, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is located in an old kasbah originating from the Almohade era. The place offers a fantastic view of the medina and the cool blue waters of the Atlantic. The photos below are the old location of the museum, because it was transferred to another area which is few meters from the original site.

 

Here's now the new location of the museum. The entrace fee costs only 10 dirhams. The new location is just a small building and showcases the ceramic products and pottery from different places in Morocco originating from ancient era to modern contemporary period.

Le Plus Grand Tajine Du Monde (World's Biggest Tagine in Morocco)

Tagine is both the name of a popular Moroccan dish and the actual pot that the meal is cooked in.

The world’s biggest tagine pot stands at Place Mohammed V in Safi (near Carrefour Market), the same place where the sardine feast was prepared in July 1999 in which the gigantic tagine was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Its dimension stands 4.5 meters tall with a diameter of 6.3 meters.