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Safi, whose name comes from the Amazigh language and means ‘mouth of the river’ (estuary), is both traditional and modern. Its economy is based on numerous fish-processing factories and ceramics shops.
Safi History
Safi, originally a Canaanite settlement, has seen a multitude of rulers over the centuries, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Goths, and Arab Muslims. Under Portuguese rule in the 16th century, it endured a period of taxation and governance, only to be liberated and rebuilt by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Saadi. Flourishing during the 16th and 17th centuries under the Saadian sultans, Safi became a pivotal port city.
However, with the Alawite sultans relocating their capital to Rabat, Safi’s importance gradually diminished. Despite this, the city experienced significant population growth, emerging as a vital center for fishing, sardine exportation, and foodstuff handling. Additionally, Safi became renowned for its chemical industries, pottery, and educational institutions, boasting a unique blend of medieval and modern architectural styles, including historic mosques and schools dating back centuries.
Many historical exploits
Excavations were discovered in Jebel Ighoud, east of the city, in 1962, consisting of human and animal bone remains. Various tools indicate that people lived in Safi fifty thousand years ago. Historians say that the roots of the city are deep in history.
Dar Al Bahar
Its ancient history, deeply rooted in civilizations, enabled it to have many monuments that remain steadfast to this day, including the “Palace of the Sea,” one of the most important historical monuments in the city of Safi, located along Independence Square. This Portuguese landmark was built in the 15th century AD to form A small Portuguese fortress, then the governor’s seat; completely renovated in 1963, it has a large monumental gate opening onto a parade ground containing ten ancient bronze cannons aimed at the ocean.
Portuguese cathedral
The Portuguese cathedral is also part of the city’s ruins. It was built by the order of the Portuguese King Emmanuel I in 1519 as a gift for his wife, Queen Saint Catherine. It was built by Joao Louis and is still witness to a historical era in which the Portuguese imposed their authority on some ports in North Africa.
Dar Soltane
The city contains the “Dar Soltane,” a castle that dates back to the Almohad period (the twelfth to the thirteenth century AD). It protected the city because it overlooks the sea palace and the Atlantic Ocean. The castle became a tourist residence for Alawite kings and princes who built a house called “Bahia,” hence the name Dar Al-Sultan. In 1990 the court was turned into a national museum of ceramics.
Fish City
In addition to its historical monuments, the Moroccan city of “Safi” was known for fishing, so some called it “the city of fish.” Its inhabitants.
On the coastal road linking the cities of Safi and Essaouira, there are dozens of industrial units for canning fish in the city and exporting them to Europe, Asia and other Arab countries. The fish canning industry in the town dates back to the 1930s.
The sector witnessed a remarkable development at the hands of President Hajj Muhammad Abed after he introduced the latest technologies in his fishing. In particular, sardine fishing flourished, and the traditional fish-finishing sector expanded in 1990, putting an end to the use of antiquated and inefficient techniques.
Potter City
The city is also famous for pottery, until its mention was associated with the word of the town, as “Safi” is considered the home of this traditional industry that contributes to the development of various sectors, whether economic or social, thus becoming the most important conventional craft at the level of heritage, culture and tourism. The raw material for pottery consists of clay, water and some Chemical materials and wood that artisans masterfully synthesize and give them wonderful geometric shapes, which made Safi ceramics occupy a global position.
The ceramic industry is mainly concentrated in the Hadbat Al-Khazaf neighborhood, which is the oldest neighborhood in the city, in which more than 800 craftsmen work in 37 workshops equipped with 70 traditional kilns, and in the Al-Shu’bah neighborhood, which was established to embrace the growing number of ceramic artisans, as there are about 100 potters who practice their work in 74 workshops equipped with 130 traditional ovens.
Beaches and excursions around Safi
To appreciate all the beauty of the coast, first, take the coastal road towards Oualidia. For more tranquility, stop at Lalla Fatna beach, 15 km north of Safi: well sheltered from the wind by high cliffs; it is ideal for fishing and swimming. Then go to Cape Beddouzza: after enjoying the beach’s calm, you can walk to the Gorani cave to discover curious cave paintings… Finally, take the coastal road to the south to Souira Kedima beach, where beautiful hikes await you!