The city of Essaouira, or Mogador as it is known in Tamazight, is a Moroccan city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The old town of Essaouira is an exceptional example of a fortified city dating back to the late eighteenth century. It was built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in North Africa. Since its foundation, Its port was a major international trade crossing, linking Morocco and its desert lands with Europe and the rest of the world. It joined the list of World Heritage Sites in Morocco in 2001, when it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.