A few years ago, the Plaza de Toros, Tangier’s historic arena, was nothing more than a ghostly building, abandoned over the decades. Its decrepit stands, its dilapidated walls and its heavy silence seemed to bear witness to a bygone, almost forgotten past. However, its typical architecture, a legacy of a time when it hosted bullfights and feverish crowds, continued to haunt the collective imagination of the people of Tangier.
Today, this place steeped in history, a true cultural and architectural heritage closed since 1950, is coming back to life thanks to a rehabilitation project. With a budget of more than 60 million dirhams, it was jointly financed by the Agency for the Promotion and Development of the Northern Provinces (APDN) and the Wilaya of Tangier.
Where wild grass once reigned, there are now modern spaces, brand new stands and modern facilities which are rewriting the history of this emblematic place. The work, which lasted nearly a year and a half, is now nearing completion, with a progress rate of around 95%.
Concerts, exhibitions, screenings, shows or cultural workshops… the place was designed to bring people together, and within the enclosure, everything seems to be ready to welcome the first visitors. This is the case with the stands, completely renovated, which can now accommodate some 6,500 people.
A few years ago, the Plaza de Toros, this famous arena in Tangier, was nothing more than a ghostly silhouette, abandoned over the decades. It has now been renovated. (S.Kadry/Le360). le360
On the outside, the transformation is just as spectacular. Perfectly maintained gardens surround the Plaza, complemented by a fountain and pedestrian areas surrounded by terraces and shops. We can already imagine families walking there, groups of friends sharing a moment of relaxation, when it’s not street artists taking over.
