Gondershe
Gondershe, also known as Gandershe or El Torre, is an ancient landmark on the Somali Sea, as well as a town, in the Lower Shabelle region of Southwest State of Somalia. It is noted for its various historical structures. Overview. Gondershe is situated about 35 kilometers northeast of Merca and about 30 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. It is an ancient stone city built on a coastal promontory. The town's ruins consist of typical Somali architecture, such as coral stone houses, fortifications, tombs and mosques. The town contains a shrine to Aw Usman Garweeyne (Garweyne). The town is said  to date from the medieval Ajuran period, when it became a center of trade that handled smaller vessels sailing from India, Arabia, Persia and the Far East. This is supported by early maps, and an initial archaeological survey. Gondershe later evolved into a popular tourist attraction during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The film "La Conchiglia" (1992) by the award-winning Somali filmmaker Abdulkadir Ahmed Said was also shot here, and features the town's local residents.