Morocco's Portuguese Fortress Restoration Enters New Phase

Restoration efforts are progressing at the Portuguese Fortress in El Jadida, Morocco, as the project enters a new phase focused on rectifying structural deficiencies. The work targets critical areas like the Portuguese cistern, its roof, and adjacent corridors.

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The Portuguese castle was built starting in May 1541 at the site of Mazagão (Mazagan), and its construction work continued for seven years.

The project, under the supervision of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Directorate of Culture, carries a budget of 20 million dirhams and a projected completion time of 18 months. The fortress, originally constructed in 1541 and known as Mazagão, is a significant example of Renaissance military architecture. Its historical importance was recognized when the Portuguese city of Mazagan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list on June 30, 2004.

Internal issues, including the collapse of a vaulted ceiling in the Shaibiya Talal corridor in February 2021, led to the closure of the inner fortress. Water infiltration and roof damage were identified as primary reasons for the closure, prioritizing visitor safety. The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication has initiated the "Repair and Restoration of the Portuguese Fortress in El Jadida" project.

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The Portuguese city of Mazagan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list on June 30, 2004.

The restoration aims to strengthen all components of the fortress, tackle water leakage causes, renew the roof's water protection system, update electrical installations, and install scenic lighting. A new museum space is also being prepared. The current work on the cistern's terraced roof is particularly sensitive, directly impacting the structures below. Technical teams are removing accumulated layers of reinforced concrete, mortar, and soil that have added extra weight to the arches and stone pillars supporting the roof.

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The inner fortress, which includes the cistern supported by arches and columns, has remained closed to the public since February 2021, following the collapse of one of the vaulted ceilings.

Cleaning operations have uncovered original 16th-century architectural elements, including a circular niche. Scaffolding and metal supports are in place around vulnerable areas. The large tower of the fortress, which once served as a Portuguese lighthouse, shows early signs of restoration. Investigations have also revealed later urban interventions, such as a residence built over parts of the fortress, windows added to old dwellings on the roof, and a staircase from the French protectorate era that affected a vaulted hall. The roof also includes the prison tower, integrated into an abandoned residence, and a Gothic wall from an old church bell tower.

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The current work on the cistern's terraced roof is considered one of the most sensitive stages of the project, due to its direct connection with the structures below.