Raissouli's Palace

This building in Asilah still stands as a testament to the sumptuous life that scoundrel Moulay Ahmed ben Mohammed er-Raissouli (or Raisuni) led at the height of his power. He was a feared bandit, kidnapper and general troublemaker who went from petty crime to murder. The Spaniards eventually forced Er-Raissouli to flee Asilah after WWI, but he continued to wreak havoc in the Rif hinterland until 1925, when the Rif rebel Abd al-Krim arrested him and accused him of being too closely linked with the Spanish.

The building includes a main reception room with a glass-fronted terrace overlooking the sea, from where Er-Raissouli forced convicted murderers to jump to their deaths onto the rocks 30m below. The palace is now open only for cultural events and workshops though if you can find the caretaker you may be able to persuade him to let you in.