Portuguese Cistern at Mazagan

The Portuguese Cistern (Citerne Portugaise / المسقاة البرتغالية) is a subterranean reservoir built in 1514 inside the fortified Portuguese city of Mazagan (modern-day El Jadida). Originally constructed as an armory or barracks, it was converted into a water reservoir in 1541. The underground hall features brick and stone groin-vaulted ceilings supported by 25 stone pillars arranged in five rows, famously illuminated by a central circular roof opening reflecting upon a thin layer of standing water.

Issued in 1955 alongside the definitive monuments series (MAROC / المغرب), this 50-franc postage stamp (POSTES / CITERNE PORTUGAISE à MAZAGAN) illustrates the subterranean vaulted interior of the cistern. Designed by A. Delpy and engraved by Pheulpin, the sepia-toned intaglio print captures the arches, pillars, and reflections of this historic Manueline-Gothic architectural monument.