Situated on the Atlantic coast 60 miles south of Casablanca
the town was founded by the Portuguese in 1502 and called Mazagan.
The Portuguese stayed until 1769 during which time they built
a formidible rectangular fortress with a bastian in each corner
connected to the mainland by a single causeway. Flavours of their
occupation still survive to this day with many of the streets
retaining the original name. Another relic from the Portuguese
era is the underground water cistern with its magnificent Gothic
arches which was used for scenes from Orson Welles acclaimed film
version of Othello.
After reclaiming the town Morocco changed the name to El Jadida,
which means 'the new', and the town has became the thriving commercial
centre of the region with the export of poultry being a major
industry. The town benefits from a large bay with silver sand
beach and a promenade lined with palm trees, restaurants and cafes.
There is an 18 hole championship golf course and several hotels.
