Azemmour, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento
Azemmour, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

The Portuguese forts in Morocco

Photos by João Sarmento. Written by Marco Ramerini.

Some pictures of what remains of forts built by the Portuguese in Morocco in the 15th and 16th century. Here are presented photos of Azamor (Azemmour), Safim (Safi) and Mazagão (El Jadida) taken by João Sarmento.

The fort of Azamor (Azemmour) was under Portuguese control between 3 September 1513 and October 1541.

The fort of Safim (Safi) called by the Portuguese as Castelo do Mar or Castelejo was founded by the Portuguese as a  feitoria in 1488. In 1508 the Portuguese built a fortress. The fortress was abandoned by the Portuguese on October 1541.

Mazagão Fort (El Jadida) built by the Portuguese in 1541 was the last Portuguese fort to be abandoned in 1769.

The Portuguese controlled the coast of Morocco and to that end they built many fortresses including those of: Arzila (Asilah), Ceuta, Tanger, Safim (Safi), Graciosa (Graciosa Island near Larache), Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gué (Agadir-Taddert Ougadir), Mogador (Essaouira), Aguz (Souira Guedima, Castelo de Aguz: South of Safi at the mouth of Tensift River), Azamor (Azemmour), Mazagão (El Jadida).

Azemmour, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

Azemmour, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

Azamor fort, Morocco. Google Earth

Azamor fort, Morocco. Google Earth

Safi, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

Safi, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

Safi Fort, Morocco. Google Earth

Safi Fort, Morocco. Google Earth

El Jadida, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

El Jadida, Morocco. Author and Copyright João Sarmento

El Jadida-Mazagao Castle, Morocco. Google Earth

El Jadida-Mazagao Castle, Morocco. Google Earth

About Marco Ramerini

I am passionate about history, especially the history of geographical explorations and colonialism.