Description of the attraction
Cisterns in El Jadida are one of the most interesting and frequently visited places in the city. The cisterns are located near the mosque at the entrance to the walled medina.
The history of this landmark began in 1741. Initially, a military arsenal was built on this site by the Portuguese, 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 on the south, north and east sides and four towers. The Great Hall was created in 1741 in the Gothic style. The gloomy impression of this hall is brightened up 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 got into the cistern. The reservoir was filled with water only a few times, but the dampness is felt here to this day.
Today, at the bottom of the Portuguese cistern, a small layer of water is maintained, due to which the light creates an amazing play of light reflection in the water. The mysterious atmosphere of the reservoir hall inspired the famous cult director Orson Welles to shoot several scenes in natural scenery for his film Othello in 1949.
