In the background is the Porte de la Marine, the gateway to the docks built in the 18th century. (I do have a capture of the top of the arch, but I just didn't think it was that interesting.) At that time, 40 percent of Atlantic sea traffic passed through Essaouira, and it became known as the Port of Timbuktu, being the destination of caravans from Sub-Saharan Africa bringing exports to Europe. It used to be Morocco’s largest sardine port, but now provides a living for no more than 500-600 families. It still has a traditional shipyard, though, where vessels are made out of wood. (Summarized from “Eyewitness Travel: Morocco”)
Portuguese fortifications from the ramparts, posted earlier:
