Hello Hive community!
Our trip to Tangier last week, which my family and I took, began with a lot of history and discovery. Before even entering the city, we decided to take a break to recharge our batteries after the road. So we chose a restaurant right next to a fascinating site: the Punic-Roman necropolis of Hafa.
The restaurant where we stopped offered an exceptional setting. A high terrace, a gentle sea breeze caressing the face and, as a backdrop, the Atlantic Ocean stretching as far as the eye could see. It was simply perfect. We opted for a typical Tangier meal of grilled fish with a fresh salad and the Tangier Bissara: a steaming plate of broad bean purée, served piping hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of cumin. It's one of those simple dishes that are deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, especially in the north of the country. What makes Bissara so special is that it is both nourishing and comforting. It is particularly popular in winter, when the sea breeze blows hard over the city. A hot plate of Bissara and you're back with energy!
As we savoured each mouthful, our eyes were already drawn to the cliffs of the Mershan plateau, home to the necropolis. This site steeped in history seemed to be calling us to explore, and it was with great enthusiasm that we set off again for a short stroll.
When we arrived, we were struck by the unique atmosphere of the place. The ancient tombs carved into the rock seemed to tell stories that were centuries old. The site, which dates back to the Punic-Roman period, was once home to around a hundred tombs, although only twenty or so are still visible today.
We took the time to observe these vestiges of the past, imagining the civilisations that have passed through this land. We learned that the Romans, when they occupied Tangier, cleaned up and reused this necropolis for new burials. Among the archaeological discoveries made on site, a lead sarcophagus containing the remains of a child, an urn and a small glass vase bear witness to the rich history of the site.
The ancient tombs of the Punic-Roman necropolis of Hafa are one of Tangier's hidden treasures. They are located on the cliffs of the Mershan plateau, around 700 metres from Tangier city centre. Most of them face the sea, offering a breathtaking view, while a smaller part is located a little further south.
The first excavations date back to 1910, and the last took place in 1960. A total of 98 tombs were discovered, including more than 50 carved directly into the rock. They are around 1.80 m long, 60 cm wide and 70 cm deep. Unfortunately, only around twenty of these tombs remain today.
This site has not only preserved burials, but also some fascinating objects. Remains of Punic and Neo-Punic traditions have been found here, mixed with Roman material. When the Romans took control of Tangier in the 1st century AD, they cleared out the necropolis and installed new tombs. The site was last occupied in the late 4th century AD.
This site is a true witness to the past and well worth a visit, if only for its unique atmosphere and the breathtaking views over the sea and the Tangier medina.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post, I'm really pleased to be able to share these moments with you. I hope you've enjoyed the photos I've taken, and I look forward to sharing them with you again soon. See you soon!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).