Is this where Othello was filmed?

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Portuguese Cistern

Hours

Daily 9am–1pm, 3pm–6:30pm

Entry

20 MAD

Duration

15 minutes

Location

Cité Portugaise, Rue Mohammed Al Hachmi Bahbah, El Jadida

A Portuguese underground cistern where the ceiling floats on its own reflection.

The Portuguese Underground

The Portuguese built this cistern in the 16th century to store water for their garrison in El Jadida (then Mazagan). It was lost under later construction and rediscovered in 1916 when a shopkeeper noticed his floor was hollow. The underground chamber — Gothic vaults reflected in a shallow pool of water — became famous when Orson Welles filmed part of Othello here in 1949.

The Vaults

Five rows of stone columns support Gothic rib vaults. A central skylight drops a circle of light onto the water below. The reflection doubles everything — columns, arches, light. The effect is architectural and cinematic simultaneously.

Visiting

Inside El Jadida's Portuguese City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Small entry fee. The cistern is underground — descend a stairway from the street. Allow 15 minutes. The Portuguese City above is worth an hour of walking.

Best Time to Visit

Midday when the skylight sends the strongest reflection onto the water.

Getting There

Inside the Portuguese City (Cité Portugaise) in El Jadida. Enter the UNESCO-listed enclosure and follow signs.

Local Tip

Underground cistern built by Portuguese in 1514. Originally an armoury, converted to water storage. The reflection of the vaulted ceiling in the water is the famous shot. Featured in Orson Welles' Othello (1952). 15 minutes is enough.

Common Questions

Parts of Orson Welles' Othello (1949) were filmed in the cistern, yes.

Walking Distance

Nearby

Monuments

Ramparts of El Jadida

The Portuguese Cistern is the reason we include El Jadida on coastal itineraries. The reflection in the water hasn't changed since Orson Welles filmed it.

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